PDL | Gallery | Tungamah, Waaia locked in for the big dance

By Daniel Webb

Sep 4, 2022

Tungamah will meet Waaia in the 2022 Picola District Football League grand final.

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After a mammoth weekend of preliminary finals action, the Bears and the Bombers overcame their opponents, securing a shot at the ultimate glory this weekend.

On Saturday, Tungamah was too strong for Strathmerton, running out 21.13 (139) to 12.6 (78) winners at Rennie.

A quick start had the Bears in the box seat from the get-go, with the side piling on nine goals to lead 9.2 (56) to 3.2 (20) at quarter-time.

Selling the candy: Tungamah's Nick Irvine bamboozles his opponents. Photo by Daniel Webb

The Bulldogs were left to play catch up and despite pegging the margin back throughout the second half, the side never threatened the minor premier.

Tungamah coach Xavier Stevenson said it was a fantastic feeling to make the grand final.

“We have a lot of respect for Strathmerton, they’ve been a fantastic side the past couple of years so we knew it was going to be a massive contest,” Stevenson said.

“I just thought that our start set us up today, everything that we wanted to go to plan did which is a really nice thing as a playing group.”

Flying high: Tungamah's Liam Connell reaches for the ball. Photo by Daniel Webb

Stevenson said the Bears had an even spread of contributors for the game, with seven goalkickers on the day.

He said the grand final berth was reward for effort for both the seniors and reserves group after a season full of hard work.

Stand tall: Tungamah’s Ben Beaton takes a grab. Photo by Daniel Webb

“When you finish on top of the ladder there’s that expectation and pressure that you’re going to make it until the end,” he said.

“In this competition, we know the top eight has been really competitive and that’s how it has been throughout the finals series.

Passing time: Strathmerton's Luke Sanderson looks to release the ball. Photo by Daniel Webb

“For us it’s just really nice that we had 22 blokes that played their role really well and we just get a chance to go all the way.

“We’re super pleased, we know the job’s not done and we’re super excited to be able to really try and go all the way and make sure that we do Tungamah proud.”

For Strathmerton, an impressive showing from Darcy Robinson stood out, while co-coach Tim Looby continued his good run of form with an eight-goal haul.

On the move: Tungamah's Jhett Cooper looks to out pace his opponent. Photo by Daniel Webb

Tungamah takes on Waaia in the premiership decider, with the Bombers defeating Katunga in Tocumwal on Sunday.

The 12.11 (83) to 3.8 (26) result was a good one for the red and black side, with a fast start building a solid base for the win.

Waaia coach Mark Meyland said his side was rapt to make the grand final.

"It’s very exciting for the group, it’s the position we set out to be in,“ Meyland said.

“We’re only one step away from taking it now so the rest is up to us, but it is a very exciting time.”

Leading by 25 points at quarter-time and 45 points at the main break, Meyland said the start was “as good as we could’ve asked for.”

“Especially after the way they had been starting in previous games, it was not a perfect game from us but it was what it needed to be which is fantastic,” he said.