MFL | Tongala narrowly misses double chance as home final looms

Victories to Cobram and Mulwala, tied on points with Tongala before round 18, ensured the Blues finished third on percentage despite the clinical performance over the Cats.

As a result, the Blues will now host the Rams at Tongala Reserve this Saturday, August 27, in an elimination final.

Tongala will now need to go the long way if it is to qualify for another grand final, much the same route as its 2019 path that saw it progress from fifth place, but coach Jordan Souter isn’t fazed.

“We would have liked to have finished second obviously but it didn’t turn out that way,” Souter said.

“We’re not disappointed we’re third, we’ve had as many wins as anyone else in the competition.

“We’ve just got to win from third. Sometimes finals is good and you can get a bit of roll on if you win (a final) and build some confidence.”

The Blues tuned up for the 2022 finals series with a strong 22.12 (146) to 9.6 (60) win over the Cats.

Tongala booted six first-quarter goals to hold a 15-point advantage at quarter-time, before a six-goal-to-one second term ensured the Blues boasted a 48-point buffer at the main break.

A 10-goal-to-four second half handed saw Tongala finish the 18-round home-and-away season with a 15-3 win-loss record, its eighth straight victory.

Cameron Ilett, Jack Hammond and Makenzie Ryan kicked the Lions share of the goals with four each, while Coby McCarthy and Nicholas Jamieson were impressive out of the midfield.

Angus Robertson (three goals) guided Finley’s efforts in their final game of the season, ending in 10th spot with three wins in 2022.

Now, the Blues will look ahead to a home final against the Rams, a side Tongala accounted for by 35 points in round 13.

The Rams finished sixth, and in round 18 led Cobram by a goal before the Tigers flicked the switch to slam home six final-quarter goals, running away 43-point winners to secure the 2022 minor premiership.

Souter will be wary of the Rams in what he expects to be another contested encounter between the two clubs.

“We always say it — Deni’s a hard match,” Souter said.

“It’s going to be tough going, especially in a final. They pushed Cobram for three quarters on Saturday.

“We got across the line on them last time but it looks they have a fair few back since then. It’ll be a tough day but we’re up for the challenge.”

Mulwala stitched up the other top two spot with a 13-point win over Congupna, confirming an elimination final between the Road and Moama, a side Congupna has bested twice this season.