IN THE end resistance proved futile.
A brave Tooleybuc Manangatang took the game up to a dominant Kerang for the better part of a half, going blow for blow with the dominant Blues in Saturday’s Central Murray grand final.
In their early resistance the Saints showed their promise for the future, with the never-say-die attitude of rising stars Xavia Elford and Frankie Robinson providing Tooleybuc Manangatang with run through the midfield and six goals.
But in the Blues’ response was seen the foundations on which Kerang has built an empire. Luke Livingston’s numerous marks netted five goals, while Luke Cotchett yet again showed his ability to go forward and boot goals at will when required, finishing with five.
The competition’s best coach, Troy Coates did the same to notch up seven majors in a best on ground performance.
Coates’ influence so often seems to be everywhere, exerting his will on the game in a way few others can.
Coates’ clean ball work is vital at ground level, with the physical presence of Lance Picioane important to the Blues’ cause, along with the silky skills and drive of Karl Lohde.
The Blues started ex-Melbourne player and Kerang local Troy Davis in ruck against Jack Betts Medallist Ryan O’Sullivan with the ever-reliable Mark Walter coming to the bench at the opening.
A clash between the pair saw O’Sullivan temporarily incapacitated and Davis off the ground after receiving a yellow card.
With Lee Cox, Travis Hayward and Josh Stone among those getting in on the action for the Saints, Tooleybuc Manangatang capitalised on a frenetic opening which saw both sides get plenty of opportunities in front of goal.
They didn’t manage to lead at quarter time but impressed by staying with Kerang.
Kerang’s Jon Murphy provided the game’s early highlight, finding Livingston for a major after completing a one-handed mark running back with the flight of the ball.
While the Saints were only four points in arrears at quarter time, few doubted the enormity of the task still facing the challengers.
That reality was underscored with Cotchett going forward in the second term.
A midfielder of the highest order, Cotchett seems to will the ball into his own hands when sent into attack. Add in his deadly accurate kicking on goal and the Blue is clearly the competition’s most reliable trump card.
His first goal in the second term put the Blues’ back in front.
Second quarter goals to the Saints through Elford — who benefitted from a rare turnover in the midfield and burnt the Blues on the rebound — Mick Dedini and Josh Stone, who impressed with a double, saw the Saints take a lead 10 minutes out from half-time.
But the door that the Saints had so determinedly forced ajar was brutally slammed shut, as Coates, Livingston and Cotchett all combined to stamp their authority on the match and earn Kerang a four goal half-time lead.
While the margin wasn’t insurmountable at half-time the Blues’ 10 minutes of dominance had left the Saints reeling and gained the reigning premiers a crucial psychological advantage.
The suggestion clearly implied by what had taken place was that eight goals to halfway through the second term wasn’t enough; yet the Saints had thrown everything at Kerang in getting them.
It was a blow from which Tooleybuc Manangatang would never recover. The Blues’ superstars had all imposed their will on the game and, after half-time, it was a team effort that saw Kerang pull further and further away from the Saints.
The Blues added two goals immediately, with rising star Logan Keighran obliging in attack to ensure Kerang didn’t let Tooleybuc Manangatang back into the game.
While Elford added another couple at the other end, the Blues piled on six more to record an eight goals to three term.
Tension, never far from the surface, threatened to spill over in the third term, with Troy Coates off the ground following a cut to the head and Brad Pay assisted from the field after being knocked out while taking a kick.
Both would return, with Coates straight back into the action, while Pay’s influence was reduced following the bump, which led to a report.
Four goals to two in the last quarter confirmed a 71-point win.
The Blues’ third consecutive flag is also their fifth in a decade. The Blues are the second club to complete a hat-trick of premierships since Tyntynder claimed the first three flags after the formation of the Central Murray league in 1997.
Kerang’s five senior premierships puts it ahead of Swan Hill and the Bulldogs (three each) as the most successful clubs in the competition.
Other clubs must now look to Kerang as they strive to emulate the premiers’ success.
For the Blues, everyone is on the same page. This is a theme that has been underscored as the Blues look likely to keep much of their premiership team together for next season.
And it’s a strength that would have been reinforced as Kerang returned home to Riverside Park to celebrate long into the night.
