Tungamah got its grand final day off to the perfect start with the under-14 flag.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
In a clash between two teams with just one loss combined in 2024, there was always going to be quality on show.
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Tungamah has claimed the first of the four sets of Picola District Football League spoils after overcoming Berrigan in a Saturday morning clash at Rennie.
The Saints had come into this decider unbeaten from its 16 regular season clashes, inflicting the Bears’ only blemish of the campaign in the process.
The result brings with it some revenge on the biggest stage of all for Tungamah, though it didn’t come without a significant arm-wrestle.
Early signs were physical yet cagey from the two teams with little in the way of scoreboard reward until midway through the second term.
It was then that the Bears put what ultimately proved a game-breaking margin on the board through a pair of lightning-quick majors to boast the first three of the contest.
Berrigan's Jack Magill was on the scoresheet in defeat.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Berrigan's Josh Monteath sticks it on the boot.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Tungamah's Charlie Walls and Berrigan's Jordan Swann regroup after a contest.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Berrigan's Jack Smith takes a kick-in.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Berrigan's Harvey Swann looks ahead for a lead.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Berrigan's Jordan Swann was another goalscorer for the Saints.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Berrigan's Jordan Swann and Tungamah's Charlie Walls are re-acquainted around the ball.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Tungamah's Nicholas Arnold puts some length on the kick.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Berrigan's Jack Magill produced some silky flashes.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Caution was thrown to the wind by both sides out of their half-time huddles with a more attack-minded approach seen throughout a different-looking third term.
Undeniably the game’s most impactful moment featured Billy Doyle running into an open Bears goal and celebrating raucously with red and gold faithful situated on the other side of the fence for a three-goal lead.
Berrigan had its moments, but when Taijan Ussher impressively slotted home a long angled set shot midway through the last, everything needed to go right for the minor premiers.
Jett Bamford’s classy snap off a turnover inside 50 was a firm final blow, the Bears going on to lift the cup courtesy of a 9.8 (62) to 3.6 (24) win.
The result marked heartbreak in back-to-back deciders for Berrigan, having been undone by a single point in last year’s grand final against Jerilderie.
Bears co-coach Shannon Doyle was ecstatic at what her side could achieve as a collective.
“I just couldn’t be prouder. I pretty much told the boys we knew we were capable and they just had to go play their game,” Doyle said.
“They played it and we didn’t let Berrigan get in our heads and we got across the line; it probably helps that we’ve got a few that have been with us for six years.”
“I find in this league you’ve normally only got four or five top age kids who dominate the ground and we’ve got eight or nine.
“That’s no discredit to your younger ones either as they played their role too. I can’t fault anyone who played today.
“I believe they’re a true team, and the way they play together is outstanding. It’s all about being one.”
Ussher ruled the day on the scoreboard for Tungamah with four goals, while Caleb Anderson, Jack Magill and Jordan Swann found singles for the Saints.
Billy Doyle, with three of his own, was duly awarded his recognition as best afield in what turned into a powerful win.
“These sort of situations bring the best out of Billy,” Doyle said.
“He loves centre stage and he loves the pressure.
“He always goes harder and harder to get the job done, and these situations are what he plays footy for.”
