Blues’ season ends in defeat

The two sides continued to match each other through the second quarter in what was shaping up as an intriguing contest, and after three goals apiece, Tongala was ahead by a point at the major break.

Rumbalara snuck ahead late in the third, kicking four goals to three to Blues by eight at the final change.

Tonny was ultimately unable to respond in the final term, and Rumba kicked further clear, the final score 14.11 (95) to 11.10 (76).

Tongala coach Billy Barnes promoted himself up the field to start at full forward, and despite the result, the move seemed to pay off, as he kicked five goals on the day to lead the Blues.

Sam Cipriani and Billy Mclay chipped in with two goals each, while Kyle Fitzgerald and Sam Tyler also got their names in the goal-kickers’ column.

After a promising 4-2 start, Tonny will be disappointed to finish the year in ninth place at 6-12, just one win ahead of its 2023 total.

A revamp to the squad did bring some promising new hope to the club and the Blues will look to go on with the job and push up the table in 2025.