UPDATE: The Marong Panthers have secured a decisive 61-point victory over the Inglewood Blues, confirming their place in the Loddon Valley league grand final for the fourth consecutive year. The preliminary final, held on July 15, 2023, at Calivil, ended with a score of 16.13 (109) to 6.12 (48), marking a significant end to Inglewood’s inspiring finals run.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: This dominant win showcases the Panthers’ experience and skill, with 21 of 22 players having previously participated in a senior premiership. The Panthers will now face Bridgewater next week, aiming for their fourth championship title.
DETAILS: From the outset, Marong established their superiority, leading by 40 points at quarter-time after an explosive first quarter where they scored seven goals to one. Co-coach Kain Robins expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “We set it up in the first quarter when we had the breeze.” The Panthers’ midfield was particularly effective, dominating centre clearances and maintaining pressure throughout the match.
Despite a valiant effort, the Blues could not recover from their early deficit. They managed to narrow the gap to 25 points by halftime, but failed to score in the second half, as the Panthers extended their lead with six additional goals.
CONTEXT: This year has been a remarkable journey for Inglewood, who hadn’t won a senior final since 2003. Under the leadership of second-year coach Fergus Payne, the team earned respect throughout the league, displaying a strong camaraderie and determination. However, against the seasoned Panthers, they fell short.
Coach Payne remarked on the significance of the loss, saying, “A good team beat us today… we set a goal to bring respect back to Inglewood.” The Blues’ standout player Harry Veitch was recognized as their best performer for his relentless effort in midfield.
NEXT STEPS: The Panthers now look ahead to their grand final matchup against Bridgewater, with a chance to secure their fourth consecutive premiership title. Notably, Will Gadsden will be unavailable due to a hamstring injury, but Jake Ede is expected to return after recovering from a recent injury.
The Panthers’ remarkable achievement of having all three football teams in the grand final this year adds to their legacy in the league, reinforcing their position as one of the strongest clubs in the Loddon Valley.
As the finals continue, the story of Inglewood serves as a reminder of the emotional stakes in sports and the power of teamwork and perseverance. Fans eagerly await what promises to be an exhilarating grand final showdown next week.
