THE 2025 season came to a close for both Balranald and Kerang on the weekend, with the Roos claiming a 51-point win over the Blues at Greenham Park.
It has been a difficult campaign for both clubs, with Kerang playing off in last year’s grand final and Balranald making it through to the semi-final, before an exodus of players left both clubs moving into a rebuilding phase.
On the basis of Saturday’s 19.12 (126) to 10.15 (75) result, Balranald appear to be one step ahead of the Blues in their climb up the ladder despite both clubs finishing the season on four wins each.
The Roos took control of the match after quarter time, kicking four unanswered goals in the second quarter to take a 28-point lead into the main break.
From there, the home side controlled the contest, stretching their advantage to 42-points at the finals change.
Tanner Coulthard proved to be the difference between the two clubs, with the exciting onballer kicking seven goals in a predominately forward role.
Coulthard was aiding by strong performances from teammates Ian Fuller, Tom Salau, Cody Henness, Jack Salau and young star Cruz Jolliffe, who has shown himself to be a player of the future over the last month of the season.
It hasn’t just been a tough year for Kerang on the scoreboard, with the long-time Central Murray yardsticks also smashed with injuries to key players throughout the season.
That trend continued in their final match of the season, with veteran Marty Kelly lasting just five minutes into the match before being removed from the game.
Bohden McKnight played out the game despite suffering a fractured eye socket in the second quarter, with the injury not picked up until after the match according to Kerang coach Paul Grayling.
“We didn’t realise the severity of until he (McKnight) went to hospital after the game, he played the game out and played very well despite having one working eye,” Grayling said after the match.
“Saturday’s game was a tough one, we were just beaten by a better opponent on the day.
“As far as the year goes, it was a tough one to say the least, but we gave opportunities to a lot of younger players and we have seen the development of those players which will pay dividends moving forward.
“Overall I’m very proud of the efforts of our boys to have a crack week in, week out.
“We will move forward to next year and look to add a couple to the group and continue to build on what we have.
“We are optimistic with the group we have and once we get everybody back from injury, we will be able to compete at a level that the footy club is known for.”
Flynn McKnight was one of those younger players who impressed throughout the season, but particularly on the weekend, with the onballer among his team’s better players in the defeat to the Roos.
Also among Kerang’s best was Scott Pay, Jonah McKnight, Nick Oliver and both Archer and Mason Dibsdale, with the Blues better players list giving their supporters an exciting glimpse to the future direction of their club.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Balranald | 3.2 | 7.6 | 13.10 | 19.12 | 126 |
| Kerang | 2.5 | 2.8 | 6.10 | 10.15 | 75 |
VOTES
3 – Tanner Coulthard (Balranald)
2 – Ian Fuller (Balranald)
1 – Flynn McKnight (Kerang)
