BREAKING: The Osborne Tigers have secured their place in the grand final, defeating the Jindera Bulldogs by 20 points in a thrilling preliminary final at Walbundrie Sportsground on Saturday. This victory marks the Tigers’ fifth consecutive appearance in the Hume Football Netball League decider, showcasing their dominance in the league.
Star players Ed O’Connell, Connor Galvin, Jed Griffin, and powerful ruckman Dan Madden propelled the Tigers to a final score of 10.13 (73) to 8.5 (53). O’Connell was named Best on Ground, amassing over 30 touches and consistently delivering to teammates.
The match was a rollercoaster, with the lead changing hands five times in the first quarter alone. The Tigers held a narrow two-point advantage at the break and maintained control throughout the game. Despite a spirited challenge from Jindera, who aimed for their first grand final since 2018, the Bulldogs struggled to close the gap after falling behind by as much as 30 points in the third quarter.
Osborne coach Myles Aalbers reflected on the hard-fought match, stating,
“We probably shot ourselves in the foot in that second quarter. They challenged us big time in the second half.”
The Bulldogs showed resilience after trailing at halftime but were unable to sustain the momentum needed to threaten the Tigers seriously.
The showdown will see the Tigers face Holbrook in the grand final on September 20, marking the fourth consecutive clash between the two teams at the same venue. Holbrook’s upset victory last year adds to the anticipation surrounding this matchup. Aalbers expressed confidence, noting,
“Dan was huge in the ruck for us… he was absolutely massive.”
In a notable absence, top forward George Alexander was a late withdrawal due to tightness but is expected to undergo a fitness test before the grand final. This development adds an element of uncertainty to the Tigers’ lineup as they prepare for the decisive match.
Fans can look forward to an exciting encounter, as coach Joel Mackie of Jindera praised the positive finish to the season, indicating that the team will retain its core players moving forward. “I’m just really proud of the group that we got those close, although it still really hurts,” he said.
With the grand final looming, excitement builds as the Tigers seek to defend their championship title against a well-rested Holbrook squad. The stage is set for a gripping conclusion to the Hume Football Netball League season, and all eyes will be on Walbundrie Sportsground come the decisive day.
Stay tuned for more updates as the grand final approaches!
