Since quarter-time of its round eight Murray Football League loss to Cobram at Scott Oval, Jordan Souter and his Tongala side would have had revenge on their minds.
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Fast forward three months and the Blues have now finally got their satisfaction, triumphing over the Tigers 14.3 (85) to 12.3 (73) in a gripping contest at Tongala Recreation Reserve.
A see-sawing match from start to finish, Tongala’s seasoned campaigners would prove to be the difference, as former AFL star Brock McLean dominated across half-back and spearhead Darren Ewing had a day out up forward booting five goals.
The Blues’ seventh straight victory, Souter said the result was massive for the club as it prepares to embark on a finals campaign.
“It was definitely a great turnaround from early on in the season where they well and truly got a hold of us,” Souter said.
“We were pretty happy with the win, which keeps our top two aspirations alive heading into the last round, and it just shows that as a club we are trending nicely leading into September.”
With gun youngster Harley Reid making his much-anticipated return to the line up, Tongala found itself at full strength for this encounter, and in turn produced an eye-catching brand of football.
Boasting incredible accuracy in front of the sticks, the Blues would lead at every change, but never managed to shake a determined Cobram side that fought back at every opportunity.
With the difference 11 points at the final change, the Tigers then made their move, piling on three quick goals to take the lead and threaten to steal the game.
But Tonny would be up to the task late, getting the game back on their terms and booting two late goals courtesy of Ewing and Sam Capriani to record a memorable win.
Souter said the victory would give his team great belief moving forward that it could beat any opponent on its day.
“It was just a great game all round by our boys, we changed a few things coming into the game and they paid off which was pleasing,” he said.
“One of our better wins for the season, the result certainly gives us great confidence moving forward and hopefully we can just keep building on it moving into finals.”
Warming into his first season as a Blue, McLean’s efforts had him recognised as best afield in a performance Souter described as crucial to the result.
“Brock was incredible for us yesterday, playing across half-back he was just so composed with the footy,” he said.
“A great head for us down there he certainly led from the front and got a lot of our run going.
“As a result that let Darren Ewing have a great day out booting five despite some very close checking and Sam Capriani chip in with four, with that pair probably ending up being the difference in the game.”
Around the grounds, Nathalia’s dreams of a sixth straight Murray Football League premiership came crashing down as it fell to a rampant Moama 14.8 (92) to 6.7 (43) at Jack Eddy Oval.
The result also confirmed Moama’s return to the finals for the first time in five years, making the day all the more special for coach Sam Sheldon.
“It was a good day for the club. Obviously we haven’t played finals for five years, so it’s exciting times in that sense,” Sheldon said.
“It’s a good achievement for the hard work we have put in so far. It’s good to get that accomplishment ticked off and now it is about focusing on being a challenger.
“We don’t want to go in and just bomb out. We want to match it with the best, so we will be preparing for that and hopefully give it a fair shake.”
Echuca United recorded its second win of the season, travelling to Mercury Drive and accounting for Rumbalara 14.11 (95) to 9.9 (63).
The result all but confirms a winless season for Rumba, as they prepare to finish their campaign against Nathalia this weekend.
Congupna recorded its fifth straight win with a 16.11 (107) to 5.5 (35) demolition of Barooga.
Daniel Campbell and Jak Trewin did the damage for The Road up forward, booting four goals apiece, while Fraser Hicks and Jimmy Boyer were prolific all day.
Mulwala was far too good for Finley, prevailing 24.14 (158) to 5.5 (35) on its home deck.
Jack Sutherland was at his brutal best for the Lions, kicking eight majors, while co-coaches Bodhi Butts and Jackson Gash were dominant through the midfield.
Deniliquin secured a finals berth with a clinical 13.12 (90) to 1.6 (12) win over Numurkah.
MMG sports reporter