BLOODS GUTS IT OUT TO WIN 2009 FLAG
Tocumwal ended a 17-year senior premiership drought with a gutsy one-goal win against Moama in Saturday's Murray Football League grand final.
Stuart Roe's side justified its billing as the season's dominant side with a 16.10 (106) to 15.10 (100) win at Tocumwal.
The contest will be best remembered for the numerous momentum changes that left the crowd in suspense until the final siren.
Tocumwal kicked the first two goals of the game before Moama responded with the next three - two to century goalkicker Michael Allen.
It would be the first and only time Moama led for the match.
Five unanswered goals either side of quarter time gave Tocumwal a 25-point lead before Magpies coach Shannon Keam inspired his side back into the contest.
Keam won a clearance from a throw-in to set up 16-year-old Ryan Hon for a goal on the run and then did some bustling work through congestion before Michael Sage kicked truly.
Moama could easily have been in front had it not kicked a wayward 4.7 in the second term.
It would prove costly in the short term as Tocumwal kicked four of the first five goals in the third to establish a 29-point lead.
But again Moama refused to lie down, answering with three straight goals to trail by 19 points at the final change.
Tocumwal coach Stuart Roe specifically asked Matt Robertson for a lift during three quarter time and the stocky onballer didn't disappoint, kicking the opening two goals of the final term to put Tocumwal a game high 31 points up.
Angus Grigg replied with consecutive majors of his own and when co-coach Luke Eldridge dobbed a set shot from about 40m out on the boundary, Moama was just 21 points down.
Robertson crumbed cleverly to kick his third for the quarter and seemingly seal the premiership for Tocumwal, but Moama again had other ideas.
Eldridge converted a 50m penalty and Michael Allen made the most of a free-kick about 20m directly in front to draw the Magpies within seven points with about five minutes to play.
Moama continued to make all the running and rush forward, with a set shot dropping short and rushed for a behind to make the margin as even goal.
However, the final siren sounded as soon as Tocumwal kicked the ball in from fullback.
Anthony Mellington was awarded the best on ground medal, brilliant in his now customary floating role from centre half-back. The veteran's ability to read the play allowed him to cut off many of Moama's passes into attack and start Tocumwal's offensive passages with his drive off half-back.
Michael Hare was similarly damaging out of defence, while Lucas White and Sean Logie were superb in the midfield.
Dual O'Dwyer medallist Lee Warnett's performance was inspirational given he played with a hamstring strain.
It was clear Moama wanted to test the tough onballer out early, giving him plenty of attention every time he went near the ball.
And spare a thought for Tocumwal youngster Tim Garlick. Garlick, who at just 15, was the youngest player in the match, injured his knee early in the first quarter and took no further part in the match but the biggest cheer was reserved for the youngster during the medal presentations.
Roe, a central part of the Bloods' 1991 flag, shall be hailed as the mastermind of this year's premiership. He ambitiously took on the coaching role to add to his role as club President and meticulously went about executing a plan for on-field success.
Tocumwal ................... 5.3, 9.3, 13.8, 16.10 (106)
Moama ....................... 3.0, 7.7, 10.7, 15.10 (100)
GOALS, Tocumwal: M.Robertson 3, D.Pedemont 3, G.Dundovic 3, B.Shiels 2, J.Kelly 1, J.Roberts 1, L.White 1, N.O'Connell 1, P.Cochrane 1
Moama: M.Allen 5, A.Grigg 4, M.Sage 2, R.Hon 2, L.Moss 1, L.Edridge 1
BEST, Tocumwal: A.Mellington, M.Hare, L.White, S.Logie, G.Dundovic, L.Warnett
Moama: A.Beer, L.Moss, B.Mason, A.Grigg, B.Jay, S.Keam
Best On Ground: Anthony Mellington (Tocumwal)
