Three seasons in the making: Echuca players celebrate after the siren.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Tears and cheers accompanied the final siren of the Northern Country Women’s League grand final in July.
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That’s because it signified the end of Echuca’s grand final hoodoo and a hard-fought maiden premiership, and yet another epic chapter in the storied rivalry of the Murray Bombers and Nathalia.
After three consecutive unsuccessful attempts in the big dance, Echuca’s fourth decider was the winner as it toppled the Purples at Deakin Reserve by eight points in another thrilling finale between the two clubs.
For the majority of the decider, it seemed as if the Purples were on the cusp of inflicting more heartache on Echuca with a one-goal lead going into the final term.
We did it: Echuca coach Damian Dalziel embraces a friend after the match.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
But a lead-snatching goal to Katie Pollock and Madison Elliott’s sealing set shot with nine minutes to play handed the Murray Bombers a premiership four years in the making.
The sound of the final siren sparked Murray Bomber celebrations for players and supporters alike, including premiership coach Damian Dalziel.
“I’m lost for words,” Dalziel said post-game.
“I feel like a fish out of water, don’t know where I should be standing or what I’m saying.
“I’m so pleased for the team. There’s been so much work that’s gone into this by so many people.
“The reward is for these girls.”
The 2023 flag is Echuca’s first since the side’s creation in 2017 and ends Nathalia’s bid for a three-peat of premierships.
And the Purples were determined to upset the Murray Bombers in the two clubs’ third consecutive grand final.
What a moment: Echuca’s Amber Sullivan hugs teammate Kate Pearson after the siren.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Nathalia came out swinging in the first quarter, with Kiara Cooper finding the Purples’ first goal in a physical first stanza.
Kate Dixon, Jacqui James and Remy Day worked hard to repel Nathalia’s repeat inside-50 entries in the second quarter, with the Purples taking a one-goal lead into half-time.
Purples star forward Abby Favaro extended her club’s lead early in the third quarter and suddenly the Purples were threatening to instigate another grand final upset.
But Nathalia did not score again.
Jessica Kelly struck Echuca’s first goal of the game in the dying stages of the third, setting the equation for a Murray Bombers flag at one goal at three-quarter time.
With excitement at fever pitch, an Echuca behind was followed by a Katie Pollock free kick close to goal, one that was calmly converted into a goal and, more importantly, handed Echuca the lead for the first time in the game.
An arm-wrestle ensued, but the Murray Bombers continued to pepper the Purples’ defence until the ball was marked by Elliott.
Elliott went on to nail the set shot from 35m, putting the game to bed and delivering Echuca its flag, 3.5 (23) to 2.3 (15).
“We were screaming and yelling and when it went through I thought, ‘You beauty, we’ve got this’,” Dalziel said.
“I was worried, then I was fine, then I was worried again. The game just ebbed and flowed. The physicality was immense.
“As soon as we got our game plan going, we were good.”
The Murray Bombers were sublime across the board, but after taking out the league best-and-fairest on Monday, it was Echuca skipper James who collected best-on-ground honours.
“Just fantastic, she rarely gets beaten and just wills herself along, and she brings everyone along with her,” Dalziel said.
“That’s what your captain’s there for; she’s led the best side this year.”
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