Michael Gorey

The Ovens and Murray Football League grand final yesterday finished in a one-point heart-breaking loss for Myrtleford.

There was a big crowd of nearly 15,000 people. I went with Dude; we got there early and found seats in the grandstand. Most of the Myrtleford supporters, about 60 percent of the crowd, were on the outer wing.

We saw some locals from Bright around us, and two of little Michael’s teachers at Porepunkah were Myrtleford officials.

Lavington started better and would have led by more than 12 points at half time if they’d kicked straight. Umpiring was ordinary in the first half. I estimate it was 10-1 Lavington’s way for free kicks at quarter time.

Umpires had less influence in the second half and the game flowed more. I thought we were in trouble half way through the third quarter, but two explosive goals to Chad Rigoni in 90 seconds ignited the game.

Lavington scored a crucial fluke goal off the deck in the last seconds of the third quarter.

Myrtleford started better in the final term and I thought fresh legs would carry us home.

Lavington bottled things up successfully and forced it down to the wire. Myrtleford led by seven points, then six, then five with minutes to play.

There were constant ball-ups and throw-ins like the Swans-Geelong AFL final. Unfortunately the result was identical as well.

Myrtleford broke free from half back and kicked the ball to the goal square. That was it. We should have had someone at the fall of the ball to bottle things up and keep it there. Or maybe we should have kicked to the pocket instead of the hot spot.

Both the forwards flew and it was a Panther that pounced and counter attacked. At the other end they took a mark 35 metres out on a tricky angle. The siren blew. The Lavington bloke (McKimmie) didn’t hear it, but slotted it through.

Devastating.

I was on the club board in 2001 when we lost a grand final to Lavington. We fell away after that. Too many players left to return home or extend their careers elsewhere.

I feel it’s a different scenario this time. I’ll be surprised if many leave and there’s a good platform for recruiting. 2006 will be Year of the Saints.

Victory would have meant a lot to the town. Myrtleford has been doing it hard for several years and the premiership drought of 35 years is a long one in a town that’s passionate about football.

These articles might be of interest:

• Ovens and Murray grand final
• Forming a view
• Myrtleford Saints on the charge