Could Tongala’s only loss of the season in the Murray League’s C-reserve grade end up being precisely what it needs?
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This Saturday, the Blues take on Moama in the grand final, a side which beat them two weeks ago.
Mikaela Pyke’s team had a perfect record up until the qualifying final, where the Magpies earned a stunning 37-32 victory.
“We owned it, we learn from it, and we used it as fuel,” Pyke said.
“There were lots of lessons; it showed us exactly where we needed to grow, and since then, we’ve continued to put in that work, lifted our standards, and I suppose we’ve come back with a different mindset.
“We’re back stronger, hungrier, and more determined than ever.”
Teams going through a year defeating every opponent in their wake with relative ease can become complacent.
Pyke denied the trait had crept into her side’s thinking, but admitted it learned about the importance of being mentally ready after the surprise loss.
Sometimes, a defeat can be just what’s needed to refocus on the ultimate goal.
“It definitely was a blessing in disguise, we prefer to cop that then, and I feel like we’re probably better for that, and having that last game under our belt just last weekend,” Pyke said.
“We played in the heat, we really focused back on our strengths, got the connection going, and we know what we’re capable of, so we’re ready to bring that.”
In the aforementioned match, the Blues responded with a comfortable 16-goal win over Rumbalara, setting up a Moama rematch.
The Magpies are under no illusions of what their previous win represented.
“Well I suppose now they’re kind of chasing us a little bit, aren’t they?” coach Rebecca Clyne said.
Moama’s 2026 C-reserve team.
It’s brave thing to say when your opponent is gunning for its third straight flag.
But the premiership picture in any lower grade can change quickly.
Clyne explained why her side has suddenly closed the gap.
“I certainly think that’s the best side we’ve been able to put on the court,” she said on the previous meeting.
“The two times before that we had people away, which obviously has an impact on the side you’re putting forward.
“That’s definitely our best seven on the court in that game.”
No punches will be pulled as Clyne runs out her full compliment again this weekend.
The Magpies are expected to bring the defensive pressure, the physicality undoubtedly being dialled up to the max.
“It’s always fairly competitive with Moama,” Pyke said.
“They’re going to give 110 per cent and so are we.
“We always know that it’s a good fight against them, so it’ll be an exciting match I think.”
The C-reserve grand final starts from 12.30pm at Moama Recreation Reserve.
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