AFTER Balranald defeated Kerang by 56 points to claim their second Central Murray premiership in 2009, the two clubs took very different paths.
Kerang went on to win eight of the next 11 premierships, while the Roos spent the next decade anchored to lower runs of the ladder.
But 14 years on, their paths cross again, as Balranald’s favourite sons look to complete a wonderful story of redemption against the league’s heavyweights at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve.
Things were so dire for Balranald several years ago that there was even talk of the club shutting their doors.
But that moment would eventually prove to be their saviour.
It was the talk of the Roos’ demise that was the catalyst for the return of current senior coach Jydon Neagle, who wanted to return to the town he grew up in and emulate the feats of his father Merv, who led the proud footballing community to their first Central Murray title in 2006.
Saturday, Neagle will get that chance, along with 21 of his teammates, the majority of which are born and bred Balranald locals.
The Roos have been the good news story of 2023, with the former cellar dwellers lighting up the Central Murray with their attacking game style.
But while their attractive play makes them so watchable, their game is built on a well organised, defence-first attitude, with a back six that rarely lowers their colours.
In the defensive half of the ground, it has been Jaxon Neagle, Harrison Soraggi, Jack Salau and Jack Jones leading the way.
In previous seasons, the Roos have been too one-dimensional going forward, with it often being a case of Ben Fuller or bust.
While Fuller remains a key focal point, they now have a much greater spread of goal kickers.
Six players have kicked 20 goals or more this season for Balranald, two more than any other side in the Central Murray, with midfielders Ethan Gant (22 goals) and Matthew Neagle (21) among them.
While the inclusions of the Neagle brothers, Gant, Ian Fuller and the return of Kobe Lloyd have all made a difference, so too has the improvement in some of the Roos talented young locals, with Leyland Brougham, Rory Fitzgerald and Toby Lay all competing consistently.
Drew Lloyd and Seth Connell have taken their games to new levels this season, with Lloyd becoming a star of the future for the Roos with his marking ability across half forward allowing his coach to play closer to goal, where he can turn a game in a five-minute period.
There’s no doubting that Balranald have the pure talent and game plan to take it up to the reigning premiers, the only question is are the young Roos ready?
Because after 14 long years, their supporters certainly are.
2023 JACK BETTS MEDAL – TOP FIVE
23 – Jydon Neagle
21 – Ethan Gant
10 – Jaxon Neagle
4 – Drew Lloyd
4 – Harrison Soraggi
LEADING GOALKICKERS
61 – Ben Fuller
35 – Jydon Neagle
34 – Drew Lloyd
22 – Ethan Gant
21 – Matthew Neagle
KEY PLAYERS
Jydon Neagle – One of, if not the, most influential players in the Central Murray, Neagle will be desperate to lead his side to premiership glory and emulate the feats of his late father. Can impact in any position on the ground, but will likely spend more time forward, where he has kicked 35 goals this season, and through the midfield.
Ben Fuller – The Central Murray’s leading goal scorer in 2023 with 61 majors, Fuller will have a major role to play up forward for the Roos on Saturday. Played the first half only against Kerang in round 6 after injuring himself, before being well held by Troy Davis for the first three quarters in round 17. Since three quarter time that afternoon, has kicked seven goals in five quarters and looms as the danger man up forward.
Jaxon Neagle – Has proven to be a thorn in the side of Kerang this season, having twice been named as Balranald’s best player against them and dominating across half back in the second semi-final. His ability to read the play and intercept mark, then run and create from half back makes him a very dangerous player Saturday afternoon.
