BREAKING: Bridgewater has clinched a spot in the Loddon Valley league grand final after a thrilling comeback against Marong on Saturday. The Mean Machine overcame a formidable 16-point deficit at halftime, ultimately securing a 14.8 (92) to 12.12 (84) victory in a nail-biting semi-final at Serpentine.
Bridgewater’s coach, Lachlan Sharp, hailed the match as one of the most “epic” wins of his career. The team surged in the second half, scoring eight goals compared to Marong’s four, propelling them into the grand final on September 6. “If you paid $12 to watch that you’d walk away happy,” Sharp said, emphasizing the intense atmosphere.
The last moments of the game were electric, with Bridgewater holding a mere two-point lead as the final siren approached. A goal from Nic Naughton after the siren extended their lead to eight points, sealing the victory. Sharp praised his players for their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, stating, “Our young players really stood up in high-pressure moments.”
For Marong, co-coach Kain Robins expressed disappointment over missed opportunities. “We just needed to kick a goal in that last quarter; we had plenty of chances,” he noted. Despite the loss, he commended his team’s effort, saying, “It was real bash and crash footy, and both sides were giving it their all.”
Bridgewater’s comeback was remarkable, as they turned around a 16-point deficit at halftime. By three-quarter time, they had cut the gap to eight points, before dominating the final quarter with a score of 3.1 to Marong’s 0.1. Goals by Josh Roberts, Jacob Ellings, and Naughton defined the final stretch.
This stunning victory marks Bridgewater’s 13th consecutive win and highlights their impressive turnaround from last season, when Marong defeated them by 85 points in the preliminary final. “It’s a testament to how our group has gelled and come together,” Sharp added, reflecting on the team’s progress.
However, the win came with a cost as the suspended Jack Symons will not be available for the grand final due to a suspension stemming from a prior match. Sharp acknowledged the setback but emphasized that Symons remains focused on the team’s success.
In a bittersweet turn, while Bridgewater advances, Marong’s reserves triumphed, defeating Bridgewater 7.15 (57) to 2.3 (15). Additionally, Maiden Gully YCW’s under-18 team secured a spot in the grand final, defeating Marong 11.10 (76) to 9.7 (61).
As the finals series continues, anticipation builds for the upcoming matches, including the first semi-final between Pyramid Hill and Inglewood. The LVFNL will also vote on Macorna’s application to join the league next year, which could reshape the competition landscape.
Stay tuned as more updates unfold in this gripping finals series!
