EAGLEHAWK’S young forward/ruckman Bailey Ilsley walked away from the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL seniors grand final with two medals.
There was not just the highly sought-after premiership medal, but also the prestigious Nalder Medal for best-on-ground Ilsley had earned.
In just his 39th game, Ilsley kicked four goals in the 94-84 victory.
Bailey’s goalkicking feat matched that of his grandfather, George Ilsley who was among the best in the premiership win against the Dragons in 1953.
For Bailey to play in a senior premiership in a career that has not yet reached 40 games was an amazing experience.
He said belief the Hawks could win never dropped.
“A lot of credit goes to Travis (co-coach Travis Matheson) who drilled in to us from earlier in the week about being in touch at three quarter-time.”
The Hawks quickly cut the deficit and then took the lead in last quarter for the ages.
A hip injury meant Bailey did not play until the eighth round of this season when he played in the reserves.
A week later and he was in the seniors against Kangaroo Flat.
“The comeback to play was not easy. There was no running for at least three months.”
Bailey said there was plenty of support through rehab.
“Billy Evans helped me a lot, especially with doing a mini pre-season in season.”
As with any return from injury there were doubts about rediscovering form.
On grand final day Bailey had an impact in the Borough’s attack.
He is a key player in a forward line that includes talented youngsters Jack O’Shannessy, Nick Hoare and Blake McGregor.
There was also Nick Thompson in the forward 50m arc, but his grand final was done after hurting an ACL in the second quarter.
Ilsley said the guidance from co-coach Clayton Holmes and Pala Kuma was a huge plus for him and the rest of the attack.
If carrying the moniker of “grandson of a gun” fazes Bailey he does not show it.
Since he played his first senior match for the Two Blues in 2022, Hawks fans have held out hope another Ilsley would develop into a club great.
The esteem George Ilsley is held in is shown by the senior team’s fairest and best award being named after him, and being centre half-forward in the Eaglehawk Team of the Century.
Whether Bailey reaches the heights George did will play out as the seasons roll on.
Ilsley family links to Eaglehawk FNC stretch back many decades, with Bailey’s parents Gerard and Sharon being his proudest supporters.