KDL ǀ Gallery ǀ Tallygaroopna breaks 14-year premiership drought with hard-fought triumph over Dookie

The Redlegs were crowned premiers for the first time since 2008, ending its 14-year premiership wait.

Braving harsh, icy winds and a water-logged netball court, Fiona Down’s side came together on the big stage for a clinical, well-rounded performance which would see it over the line for a seven-goal triumph.

But challenging for the flag, and with a point to prove after its 2019 heartbreak, Dookie United entered its grand final encounter guns blazing.

“We took a solid lead at the start and then they pegged that back going into that first-quarter break,” Down said of the start to the game.

“We always knew that was going to happen, Dookie are a quality side, you could be up by 10 goals and they’ll just keep coming.”

After a nervy start, the Thunder’s shooting duo of playing-coach Maddison Owen and Monica Kelly started to hit their targets, as they helped their side to a 10-9 goal advantage at the first change.

But a second-quarter surge — typical of Tallygaroopna — would tear momentum away from the plucky Dookie.

The Redlegs’ superb midcourt trio of Down, captain Claudia Callagher and Izzy Gribben combined beautifully as their side raced to a 24-17 lead at half-time.

“We knew we couldn’t take our foot off the pedal, we knew we’d have to fight hard for absolutely everything and treasure every opportunity,” Down said.

Tally did just that, and after the main change brought the heat yet again with a couple of quick, early goals.

The heavy rain brought a third-quarter Thunder resistance, largely thanks to Georgie O’Connor and Hayley Symonds’ midcourt dynamism, which had Dookie trim the margin back to six goals.

Needing a monumental fourth quarter, the Thunder would give it their all in a last-gasp attempt to salvage the game, but the Redlegs’ composure and efficiency with ball in hand proved a sticking point to the Dookie fightback.

Redlegs goaler Mel Kittlety backed up a superb preliminary final performance with another scintillating display in goals, while defensive duo Bree Giles and Rebecca Brett were also among the standouts.

“Our steadiness and feeding and movement into the ring was really pleasing today,” Down said.

“Mel under the post popping those goals in was outstanding, and the defence had to work tirelessly in that ring against Dookie’s quality goalers.

“It was just such a team performance today.”

Despite the incessant downpour, Tallygaroopna supporters and players erupted in celebration at the sound of the full-time siren on Saturday.

It was clear for all to see, a little bit of rain was hardly going to dampen the Redlegs’ celebrations, after a win that means so much to the club and its players.

“I’m lost for words, there’s a lot of emotions at the moment,” Down said.

“It’s absolutely amazing, I’m so proud of this team.”