Welcome to the The Riverine Herald’s live coverage of the Goulburn Valley League’s grand final day, held at Deakin Reserve this Sunday, September 21.
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Our journalists and photographers are on the ground to bring you the latest as the action progresses, so check in throughout the day for updates on how your club is faring.
Update 4.10pm - Bombers lead race for senior flag, Bears pull away from A-grade glory
It’s half time in the Goulburn Valley League senior decider, with Kyabram 7.8 (50) leading Rochester 5.1 (31).
The Bombers are looking to cap off an already impressive season, finishing as minor premiers and storming through finals en route to the last day in September.
However, the GVL’s darling Tigers are looking to steal the glory and complete a fairytale turn around after almost not fielding a side in 2023.
On court, the table-topping Bears have stormed away in the A-grade grand final, sitting 21-goals clear of Euroa midway through the fourth quarter.
Update 3.20pm - Burnett’s mixed emotions after being named best-on in reserves grand final.
While his side fell short by a goal in the reserves grand final to Seymour, Thomas Burnett received the Peter Ryan medal for best-on-ground adjudged by the media.
While the honour was a nice nod, the bitterness of defeat loomed over an otherwise massive honour.
“I know the work they’ve put in so it’s disappointing for sure,” he said.
“(Receiving best-on) would be better if there were two medals around my neck, it’s nice to play well in a big game, but I just couldn’t get the boys over the line.”
In the A-grade netball, Shepparton Bears lead Euroa 25-16, while at quarter time in the seniors Kyabram leads Rochester 30-12.
Update 2.20pm - Bombers fall at death, Murray Bombers soar to B-grade flag
After a slow start, Echuca’s B-grade unit has soared to 44-38 victory over Seymour with the Murray Bombers two-flags from two on grand final day.
Meanwhile, in a thrilling fourth quarter, Kyabram has fallen by a late heroic goal from Dylan Davis to Seymour in the reserves grand final 5.8 (38) to 6.9 (45)
Update 1.45pm - Bombers, Lions and Echuca, Seymour can’t be split heading into decisive final frames
After a slow start and some wayward kicking on both sides, the reserves grand final is all tied up heading into a winner-take-all final frame.
Kyabram had a much stronger third quarter than second while Seymour’s success before half time has been erased with the game hanging in the balance at 4.6 (30) apiece.
On court, Echuca has rallied back from a 0-7 deficit to start the B-grade grand final and is now all tied up with Seymour at 24-all in the third quarter.
Update- 12.35pm- Ky take early lead in sluggish first quarter
Neither side has much to show for their efforts after the first quarter of the reserves grand final.
Kyabram leads Seymour 1.2 (8) to 0.4 (4) through a William Wild goal in a disjointed first period for both teams.
On the netball courts, Seymour has one hand on the B-reserve title, leading by 15 goals over Euroa.
Update - 11.45am - Bears nab double against Cats
Shepparton has claimed the 17-and-under flag against Mooroopna in a thriller on court.
As the game ebbed and flowed it was the Bears that clawed their way over the line, escaping with a 30-28 scalp.
On field, the Bears cruised to a staggering victory over the Cats in the under-18 football grand final, 19.114 (128) to 4.2 (26).
Update 11.30am - Pearson praises sharpshooting Head
Bottom age superstar Sarah Head put Echuca’s 15-and-under netball side on her back in the grand final against Mooroopna.
The goal-shooting Murray Bomber was clinical in the goal circle with coach Gina Pearson heaping on praise for the young gun.
“Sarah (Head) is a very young player, she’s just turned 14, she’s outstanding and gets a lot of attention from the opposition’s defence,” Pearson said.
“She remained focused, kept in the game and shot unbelievably well - she’s amazing.”
Update 11am - Cats attempting fightback
Its three quarter time in the under-18 football grand final and while the Bears still keep the lead, Mooroopna is clawing its way back into the contest.
The scores currently stand Shepparton 9.8 (62) to Mooroopna 4.2 (26).
On court, Shepparton Bears are leading Mooroopna in the 17-and-under grand final 25-20 in the last quarter.
Update 10.15am - Bears on top in under-18s early
Shepparton Bears are looking dominant through the first two quarters of the under-18 football decider against Mooroopna.
The Bears have had majority share of possession and look dangerous inside 50, leading the Cats 7.4 (46) to 1.1 (7) as half time looms.
Update 9:55am - Murray Bombers claim victory
Echuca has claimed the first silverware of the day.
The Murray Bombers produced a come-from-behind victory in the 15-and-under decider, prevailing over Mooroopna 53-50 with Echuca’s Sarah Head named best on court.
Next up on the netball courts is Mooroopna versus Shepparton in the 17-and-under grand final.
Meanwhile, the second quarter has just begun in the under-18 football, with Shepparton leading Mooroopna 3.2 (20) to 1.0 (6).
Update 9:15am - GVL grand final day underway
And we’re off!
It’s a crisp morning at Deakin Reserve as the Goulburn Valley League grand final gets underway, starting off with the 15-and-under netball clash between Mooroopna and Echuca.
Mooroopna trailed 14-12 at the opening change but turned it round to lead 26-24 at the half.
The under-18 football match between Shepparton and Mooroopna is up next, with the first bounce slated for 9:30am.
Follow along for more updates.