Murchison-Toolamba executes resounding Kyabram District League semi-final win

Neither of these sides had faced a great deal of adversity in season 2024, with the Grasshoppers thriving off the back of country football’s most prolific goal-kicker going into the weekend with James Lloyd racking up 130 majors.

He always looked like figuring heavily in this contest, despite not having anywhere near one of his trademark days out when his side drew with Lancaster in round five, the first time either side had dropped points this year.

It’s safe to say things didn’t start out all his own way, or for that matter, on anyone’s terms.

The two teams scrapped things out across an opening half-hour of football that not only typefied the genuine threats each presented to the other, but also represented the fervent atmosphere of finals football.

Leading by a solitary kick at the first change with one goal to be found in the first term, Murchison-Toolamba ramped up the pressure with repeat entries but failed to find the reward early in the second.

It had to be Lloyd who stood up with his side teetering on the verge of creating some insurmountable breathing room, with his pair of late goals serving as daggers with the Wombats heading into the sheds goalless.

Tom Davies’ side was not about to bow its head and go quietly as another potent scorer in Zac Cerrone got his side on the board before long in the third, with Morrie Serra following up halfway through the term to finally ask some questions.

Lloyd’s third less than two minutes later provided some pretty swift answers, though, as the Grasshoppers quickly restored order with a 17-point buffer at the final change.

The minor premiers saved their best for last in their most pivotal game yet as Leigh Wellington imposed himself with a double in the final term, with the green and gold outfit snaring the first grand final spot in comfort and prevailing 9.11 (65) to 3.4 (22).

Referring to Saturday’s win as “our first four-quarter effort of the year”, victorious coach Brett Foley was more than satisfied by what he saw.

“In the first term, they had the wind so for them to not kick a goal gave us some control early in the game,” Foley said.

“The pressure was elite from the boys in tricky conditions.

“We made sure late in the season that we could get the boys as fit as we could for this game; it helps in a final as we ran it out pretty well.

“I was real happy with how the boys played.”

With Murchison-Toolamba now earning a week off ahead of the big dance, having enjoyed one leading into this clash, freshness should be no issue whatsoever.

What was especially pleasing, in Foley’s eyes, was the sharpness already on display from his men.

“We had that three-goal margin going into three-quarter time with the wind, so we were confident we could hold on,” Foley said.

“It’s certainly better than having a tight one. Having a bit of a margin for once against them was nice.

“At stages in the (round five) game, we were four goals in front and Lancaster controlled the last quarter and a half.

“The four-quarter effort really pleased the coaching staff this time and hopefully we bring that on grand final day.”

The Grasshoppers will have to wait an additional week to unearth the identity of their dance partner at Mooroopna on September 14.

Lancaster, likewise, would have had a vested interest in Sunday’s other semi at Undera between Shepparton East and Nagambie, each vying for a meeting with the Wombats this weekend.

It looked uncertain at times during the first half, but the Eagles’ lead never wavered overall as Jake Sutherland came alive with a big bag to bring his side forth to a prelim as Shepparton East overcame last year’s grand finalists 12.7 (79) to 7.10 (52).