This followed the realisation that the Bulldogs had finally ended a mammoth winning drought with a 19-point win over Skipton.

Ironically, Smythesdale's only other success in the Central Highlands Football League was against the same club, on the same date five years ago.

The Bulldogs led by 27 points at the first change on Saturday and were never headed on their way to a 9.9 (63) to 6.8 (44) triumph.

Players celebrated on the field following the final siren and posed for a premiership-style photograph before retreating to the rooms for a long-awaited rendition of the club song.

Frys told The Courier that he never doubted this day would arrive.

"Everyone is just over the moon with that result," Frys said.

"It's pretty emotional. I'm trying to hold tears back now because it has been a long road, but it's a credit to the boys and the guys that have been willing to come over and help us out.

"A lot of guys could have just walked away when it got too tough, but they've stuck it out and they deserve the win."

Elsewhere on Saturday, Beaufort proved its premiership credentials with a dominant 57-point victory against reigning champions Springbank.

The Crows blitzed the Tigers with a six-goal-to-nil opening quarter before recording the 14.11 (95) to 5.8 (38) result.

Other round two fixtures saw Bungaree get home against Ballan, Hepburn get the better of Learmonth late in the day, Buninyong beat Daylesford, Dunnstown open its account against Newlyn, Waubra shake off Rokewood-Corindhap, Creswick easily account for Clunes and Gordon crush Carngham-Linton.

ROUND 2

Creswick 17.19 (127) d Clunes 3.8 (26)

Bungaree 8.15 (63) d Ballan 4.4 (28)

Hepburn 9.20 (74) d Learmonth 7.6 (48)

Buninyong 13.15 (93) d Daylesford 9.9 (63)

Beaufort 14.11 (95) d Springbank 5.8 (38)

Dunnstown 15.10 (100) d Newlyn 10.7 (67)

Smythesdale 9.9 (63) d Skipton 6.8 (44)

Waubra 13.16 (94) d Rokewood-Corindhap 7.2 (44)

Gordon 26.20 (176) d Carngham Linton 4.5 (29)