Returning coach Jordan Souter saw his side pick up a win first up. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Tongala’s seniors made a statement in their opening Murray Football League fixture, taking down traditional rival and regular finals force Nathalia on Good Friday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Jordan Souter’s return to the coach’s chair was a successful one for the Blues, his side getting the best of the Purples 12.9 (81) to 11.6 (72) after motivated efforts to start both halves.
Recruit Joe Guiney was straight onto the bests list in round one.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Tongala came out of the blocks firing at Tongala Recreation Reserve, kicking the first five goals of the contest to lead 31-3 and going into the break 27 points to the good.
The margin blew out to 57-16 in the second, but Nathalia showed resilience to fight back into the game, stringing together four goals at the end of the half to cut the margin to 20.
Tonny’s Beau Joyce looks to spoil Liam Evans, who kicked six on the day.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
There was less goalmouth action in the third, with only four goals kicked, three of them going to Tongala, which had a dominant five-goal lead with one quarter to play.
In a nervous final term the Blues went goalless and the Purples almost found their way back into things, slotting four in the period, but Tonny’s early work was enough for it to hang on by nine points.
Kyle Fitzgerald shapes to kick.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Recruit Darcy Laffy made a good start to his days in blue, leading his side with five majors, while Mackenzie Cowley added four.
More recruits, Riley Smith and Joe Guiney, joined Laffy and Cowley in the side’s best.
Brayden O'Hanlon is wrapped up by Ewan Congues.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The tight margin of victory has Tongala sitting fourth in the young season, but things can change quickly at this early stage.
After scoring only five wins last year the Blues will hope this early success is a sign of brighter things ahead for 2026.
Tonny faces its first away action of the year on Saturday in the battle of the Blues, taking on Numurkah at Numurkah Showgrounds.
The Game
Scores
Tongala: 6.1, 9.6, 12.7, 12.9 (81)
Nathalia: 1.4, 6.4, 7.5, 11.6 (72)
Goals
Tongala: Darcy Laffy 5, Mackenzie Cowley 4, Joe Guiney, Tom Holman, Riley Smith
Nathalia: Liam Evans 6, Brodie Ross 2, Logan Campbell, Clancy Congues, Harry McDonald
Best
Tongala: Mackenzie Cowley, Riley Smith, Jack Monigatti, Darcy Laffy, Joe Guiney, Bailey Waasdorp
Nathalia: Jack Duggan, Liam Evans, Clancy Congues, Bryce Mann, Joshua Dohnt, Kai Lundberg
The Blues’ Nate Dear and Purples’ Harry McDonald battle in the air.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Ned Nihill drops it on the boot.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
22°C