Both teams were down a few players, but the determination and heart shown by the Toc team made this one for the club to remember.
From the first bounce, Tocumwal looked switched on and ready to rewrite history.
The Bloods came out firing, slamming home the first three goals of the game and controlling play across the ground.
A goal on the siren was Strathy’s only answer for the quarter — and it set the tone for a hard-fought afternoon.
While the match tightened up from there, Tocumwal stayed composed, slotting three goals in each remaining quarter and absorbing everything Strathmerton threw at them.
The margin stayed close, but the Bloods’ ability to win key moments and work as a unit saw them hold on for a gutsy 20-point win.
Flynn Tonks was a standout up forward with an incredible six-goal haul, showing class and composure.
Sam Hatty and Xavier Walker both chipped in with two majors, while Raymond Sutton and Ricky Gittens added one each to round out a solid team scoring effort.
It wasn’t just the scoreboard pressure that impressed — the midfield and backline were relentless.
Gittens was superb through the middle, Tonks was electric inside 50, and Hatty’s all-round game was top-notch.
Dillon Kirchen, Blair Eddy and Harvey White all played key roles in what was a complete team effort.
In fact, the performance was so strong across the board that coach Daniel Kirchen found it difficult to select the best players — a reflection of just how much every player contributed to the win.
And to top it all off, for the first time this season, the club song rang out loud and proud in the rooms post-match, sung with gusto by a group who truly earned it.
This win means more than just four points — it shows how far this group has come and what they are capable of.
The spirit, belief and hunger were on full display, and the club couldn’t be more proud of the red and white.
Final score: Tocumwal 12.6 (78) def Strathmerton 9.4 (58).
Goals: Flynn Tonks 6, Xavier Walker 2, Sam Hatty 2, Raymond Sutton 1, Ricky Gittens 1
Best Players: Ricky Gittens, Flynn Tonks, Sam Hatty, Dillon Kirchen, Blair Eddy, Harvey White
Awards: Blake Aglinskas, Luke White, Harry Barker.
Reserves
It wasn’t Tocumwal’s day on the scoreboard, but the boys dug in until the final siren.
Final score: Tocumwal 3.3 (21) def by Strathmerton 13.9 (87).
Goals: R. Brown, J. Wapshott, P. Harrison.
Best: J. Wapshott, K. Meda, J. Hicks, G. Matters, L. Haley.
Awards: J. Wapshott, K. Meda, K. Jackson.
Thirds
The thirds are 4–0 after grinding out a strong win over Strathy.
A big thanks to the fourths boys who helped us get a side on the park.
Final score: Tocumwal 9.13 (67) def Strathmerton 8.6 (54)
Goals: L. White 3, L. Sutton 2, R. Shepherd 2, S. Bennett, C. Brunskill.
Best: L. Sutton, L. White, P. Valente, C. Palmer, D. Palmer, J. Herezo.
Awards: L. Sutton, P. Valente, C. Palmer, D. Palmer, C. Wilson.
Fourths
The young Bloods came out on top in a tight contest.
It was a great team performance with strong pressure and plenty of contributors across the ground.
Final score: Tocumwal 5.10 (40) def Strathmerton 4.2 (26).
Goals: C. Wilson 2, A. Matters, B. Koopman, A. Chellew.
Best Players: H. Wilson, J. Watson, L. Grieves, A. Chellew, C. Wilson, L. Petersen.
Awards: J. Watson, L. Grieves, A. Chellew, H. Wilson, C. Wilson, L. Petersen.
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