McLennan ran onto a field that was a sea of black and white with his baby daughter Charli and the smiles created were held until long after the final siren.

The 11-point win in a finals-type atmosphere belied the 12th versus 13th match-up and McLennan had a big say in proceedings.

Just as happened in the 1997 premiership, the renowned defender was shifted to the forward line after half-time and the game turned in Clunes favour through his efforts, goals and assists.

It came as no surprise that 300th game was chalked up against arch rivals Creswick after he has struggled with shoulder problems throughout 2009.

Creswick had held the lead at half time 5.2 to 4.6 with Smith playing loose in defence and a great influence.

Hagen, Hepworth and Hofman were lively but until half-time it was largely a battle of the defences.

The premiership quarter decided the game when Clunes, through McLennan, got a run-on and kicked seven unanswered goals and led by that margin at three-quarter-time.

Without Reineits, who played the whole game in a committed, brave, adventurous style, the damage would have been worse.

The final term saw plenty of pluck from the Wickers. Ellis and Bensen found some touch and young Caleb Hepworth was poised and damaging beyond his years.

Five goals saw the margin back to 10 points with plenty of time for Creswick to win, but with Weise unable to ruck a saving Clunes goal kept the Wickers at bay.

Unbelievably, McLennan was forced to watch most of this comeback from the sidelines after his shoulder problem flared, but he was back on the field to steady the team in defence over the final stages.

Best: Reineits, Hofman, Griffin, Scown, Murray, Smith, S. Hepworth and Hagen.