The Pies were knocked out in the preliminary final by the Lions, but not before they earned two impressive comeback wins against Congupna and Tongala in the weeks prior.
Back in the finals for the first time since 2017 and just three seasons removed from a wooden spoon, Moama was one of the top sides in the Murray Football League this season.
Magpies coach Sam Sheldon said he was impressed with his side’s performances this season.
“It has been a good year. Coming off a year of COVID and everything else going on in life, the boys really bought into the preseason,” Sheldon said.
“Our improvement was huge, it is really pleasing to see and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys on how they handled themselves through the year.
“Even today (against Mulwala), we kept fighting until the end, we probably just ran out of legs.
“I’m proud of the boys and what they have become, hopefully they can keep going with that.”
Sheldon said Moama’s come-from-behind elimination final victory against Congupna to kick off the finals series was one of the highlights of the year.
“The Congupna win was huge,” he said.
“We couldn’t beat them, couldn’t get near them for two games during the year. And having to go to their home ground and play them there, that was a big win.”
The Pies had more than three dozen players see action in the seniors this year, with a number of youngsters breaking into the team — something Sheldon said would be a big boost going forward.
“We have played 43 blokes in the ones, so there is a lot of exposure there for the boys in the squad,” he said.
“We played three 16-year-olds today and they have all experienced a final now and that’s massive for them going forward and their future endeavours in footy.
“We want to turn young blokes into good men, and good men into good footballers and hopefully we win a few flags along the way.
“I think the boys understand what it takes to be a good side now. Hopefully if we put the same work in we put in this year, we’ll get better and hopefully go a bit further.”
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