Balranald will return stronger for Saturday’s 10-point grand final loss to Kerang, according to senior coach Jydon Neagle.
Speaking after the game, Neagle was clearly disappointed to finish season 2023 without the main prize, but was confident his team would return to the Central Murray’s biggest stage sooner rather than later.
“I’m really proud of our boys, we’ve seen so much improvement from when I first got here two years ago to where we are now,” Neagle said.
“Coming from the bottom of the ladder and fearing the club might fold, to be playing in a grand final is incredible for this group.
“They’ve worked so hard and are taking on everything I’ve brought on board and are reaping the rewards now.”
Neagle said while there was no premiership success this year, he was confident for the future.
“We’ll regroup and go again,” he said.
“It’s a massive base for us, we’re all locals and the majority of our boys are all one-pointers, so we’ll try and pick up a couple of recruits over the off-season and go again.
“It’s hard (seeing Kerang celebrate), but it gives you a bit of drive to go a bit harder next year.”
Balranald had the better of the play in the first half, but despite leading by 10-points at half time, failed to make the most of their opportunities in a dominant second quarter.
Kerang then turned the match on its head after the main break with the first four goals of the third quarter, before holding on in a thrilling final quarter.
Neagle offered no excuses for his side.
“The game played out exactly as we had expected, we played exactly how we had planned to,” Neagle said.
“There were moments where they (Kerang) had the momentum, and times when we were on top.
“But in a grand final, whoever takes their chances when they have the momentum is going to win the game, and that’s what Kerang did.
“They’ve been here so many times over the last 12 years, so they know how to win them (grand finals), they really came to play and it was just a great contest.”
