A CONVERSATION with the man who preceded him as a North Launceston premiership coach will remain a highlight of the Bombers' drought-breaking premiership for coach Zane Littlejohn.
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The chat over a beer with Mathew Armstrong, who led North Launceston's all-conquering 1998 side, on Saturday night was something that Littlejohn said was "special".
"He just said it was really well done and well deserved, and just had high praise for the group and what we were able to achieve," Littlejohn said yesterday.
"He was just really happy to see the club back up there and winning."
Littlejohn, who admitted the magnitude of the club's success was yet to sink in, said he hoped Saturday's 59-point win over the Western Storm would be the start of a successful period for the club.
"The group is at the right age for that to happen, but winning one is hard, and winning back-to-back is obviously harder," he said.
"We know what our level is, but our effort and work rate is going to have to go up still to make sure we can get there again.
"I have no doubt if this group can stick together, there will be more success around the corner, and that is what this football club is about, not just about one year, but about sustained success."
Littlejohn, who said it wasn't until Josh Ponting's goal with about three minutes to go in the match that he started to relax, implored his troops to enjoy their achievement.
"All the players were exceptional yesterday and I'm proud of them all. I said to the younger guys, make sure you relish this, because it could be the last time it happens, even though we hope it's not.
"They have to enjoy this, because it doesn't happen every often."
He paid credit to his skipper, Mitch Van Den Berg, who he said had again stood up as a leader on Saturday, rising above his tender age of 20.
Littlejohn said he would "enjoy the next couple of days" before his focus turns towards 2015 and the Bombers' premiership defence.