A fairytale finish is a rare sight to see in the sporting world - even at the local level.
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But when Chris Egan was chaired off of Rumbalara's Mercury Dve oval for the final time on Saturday, the club's most decorated footballer could be content with knowing that his finish was scripted perfectly.
The 34-year-old - who played 27 games for Collingwood at the highest level - made the call during the week that the rescheduled round-eight clash against Nathalia would be his last.
But not only did Rumba pull off a stirring upset against the Murray Football League's most dominant team of almost the past two decades to jump back into the top six, Egan booted five majors to spearhead the triumph.
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Any thoughts of changing his mind about playing on were also dispelled by a hamstring strain in the final minutes of the match - letting Egan head into retirement with the strings of his long and illustrious career tied neatly together.
“Chris’ body is just not what it used to be,” Rumbalara coach Jason Traianidis said.
“He's struggled with his knees and he decided (enough was enough).
“It was really good to finish with a win for him and he kicked five and probably could have had six. Milestone games are always good to win otherwise they can feel a bit flat.”
Egan may have passed the torch on to Rumbalara's next generation on the field, but off of it he will continue to share his knowledge of the game as Traianidis’ assistant coach.
“I don't think many Rumba boys have made it, and it's a real credit to him to come back and finish up at Rumba,” Traianidis said.
“He'll be sitting next to me on the bench for the rest of the season and helping me out.”
On Saturday the Purples led by three points at the first break before the home side rallied to take a 14-point advantage into half-time.
By the final change that margin had been reduced to 11 points, but Rumba was able to hold on in the final stanza for a 15.4 (94) to 13.8 (86) win.
Kian Wise booted three goals alongside Egan's five, while Corey Wanganeen, Jai Utiger, Kyal and Kane Atkinson, Steve Stallion and Justin Terlich impressed most for Rumba in a strong team performance.
“Not many sides get the chance to beat Nathalia,” Traianidis said.
“It was probably our best performance of the year.
“We have had more scoring chances than we have had in the past couple of weeks and a few of our midfielders were able to kick goals as well.”
Liam Evans (four goals) and Brodie Ross (three) were dangerous in attack for the Purples, while Ian Fulton and Tom Byrnes also battled hard.
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● Congupna shook off a plucky Barooga outfit to keep its two-game buffer inside the top six intact on Saturday.
The Road won 12.8 (80) to 8.14 (62) in a clash that had sun, wind, rain and hail battering the players throughout proceedings.
Daniel Campbell's eight goals shone through as the highlight for Congupna as Charlie Boyer, Hugo Ingham, Sam Brodie, Hayden Durston and Fraser Hicks also stood tall.
For the Hawks, Riley Gow slotted five majors with Kris Bextream and Riley Brooks battling hard all game.
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● Mulwala boosted its percentage with a second big win over Finley in a row.
The Lions - after securing a 91-point triumph last round - dominated the Cats at the weekend to record a 28.10 (178) to 5.7 (37) victory.
Sean Robinson kicked nine majors, Jack Sutherland five and Adam Rouel four for Mulwala as the side had 12 players in total split the big sticks.
Reilly Rennick, Angus and Nick Robertson and Fraser Hawkins worked hard for Finley.
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● Tongala won the battle of the Blues on Saturday as it notched a 15.7 (97) to 10.5 (65) triumph over Numurkah to remain unbeaten this campaign.
Mackenzie Cowley (four goals) and coach Jordan Souter (three) starred in attack for Tongala, while Michael Pryde and Kyle Fitzgerald were also impressive.
“It was a good contest,” Souter told McPherson Media Group.
“They pushed us all day. I was very impressed with the way they went about it.
“Because they were pressing up pretty hard on us, we just had to take our time and use our foot skills to get through their press.
“We were happy to get away with (the victory) in the end.”
Josh Wellington booted four goals for Numurkah as Dustan Ebborn added three, with Rhys Cason again judged best afield for the side.
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● Cobram straightened up in the second half to defeat Echuca United 16.17 (113) to 4.1 (25) on Saturday.
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The Tigers had 6.12 on the board at the main break before tidying up their attacking prowess, with Cadeyn Williams, Tyron Baden, Kyle Coates and Bailey Roberts starring.
For the Eagles Michael Caven, Brad Anderson and Mitch Jensen stood out.
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“We embraced the (wet) conditions, and wanted to play a type of game that would stifle them on the inside and prevent their running players - and I thought we were successful somewhat in doing that,” United coach Francis Lias said.
“I thought we worked really hard to contain them and their run and spread early, but the more it wore on, their (Cobram's) superior fitness showed out and they were able to get the game on their terms.
“The backline were fantastic and fought hard, and the midfield worked back a lot, but finding the hit up options out of defence was really difficult for us.”
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