That was the theme of Congupna’s 2026 Murray League flag run, according to its star on grand final day.
Bryden Squire took out best on ground honours as The Road banished their demons from 12 months ago to defeat Cobram by eight points.
In 2025, after being the best team all year and undefeated, Congupna was stunned by the Tigers in the decider.
On that day, its inaccuracy — kicking 5.21 — was its undoing. The minor premier suddenly fell flat when it mattered most.
But not this time.
In fact, the 2026 decider would see an almost total role-reversal.
“It was a little bit of the opposite to last time, wasn’t it?” Squire said.
“Our accuracy kept us in the game early.
“They started off really well, and we thought we controlled the game for areas, and they controlled it for other areas, but at the end of the day, we finished off in front and that's the main thing.”
Finished off in front is an apt way to put it given neither side kicked a goal in the final 10 or so minutes.
Earlier, at the beginning of the third quarter, Congupna had opened up a 23-point lead, with Squire instrumental.
But the midfielder isn’t one to talk himself up.
“It was nice to play my role during the game,” Squire said.
“I didn't kick the ball very well, but it was nice to contribute, and the main thing is we were in front at the end of the siren.”
To say Squire simply just contributed to Congupna’s success would be an overwhelming understatement (if that makes sense).
He also took out the medal for being the best player in the finals, adding it to the best-on accolade and a second place finish in the O’Dwyer Medal race.
And he’s got a pretty good plan for the additional piece of silverware.
“Just another little medal to take home to give one of my girls, so it’s capped off a bloody awesome year,” Squire said.
“It’s a pretty special day.”
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