Lions avenge 2023 extra-time loss with thrilling one-point win

By Alexander Dabb

Sep 21, 2024

Mulwala claimed a stunning one-point win over Deniliquin to be crowned reserves premiers. Photo by Aidan Briggs

It must have felt like groundhog day for Mulwala football coach Lachlan Orr, standing on the sidelines as his side headed to extra time in the Murray league reserves grand final.

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This time 12 months ago, Orr watched as Congupna lifted the cup, his troops having led at three-quarter-time.

But there would be no repeat at Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 21, as Mulwala overcame a 13-point three-quarter-time deficit to win by a point, avenging the hollow feeling from 2023.

Mulwala’s Dylan Robinson was named best on ground. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“(It was) heart-in-throat stuff all the way through,” Orr said on the podium after being presented his premiership medal.

“We went down in overtime last year; I don’t know if I could’ve handled that again.”

Deniliquin made a hot start, booting the only two goals of the opening term to lead 2.0 (12) to 0.3 (3) at quarter-time.

Mulwala was right in the contest at the half-time break, booting 3.2 for the second quarter to briefly take the lead.

Deniliquin kicked a late major to enter the main break ahead 4.2 (26) to 3.5 (23).

Mulwala's Matthew McLachlan celebrates a goal. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Rams burst out of the blocks after half-time, surging ahead with a 3.1 term.

Although Mulwala was still playing good football, the side could not capitalise in front of goal, spraying shots to record 1.5 for the term, trailing 4.8 (32) to 7.3 (45) at the final change.

A tense final term ensued, but when they needed it most, the Mulwala players found accuracy in front of the big sticks, booting 3.1 to tie the scores up at 51-51 with just two minutes remaining.

Lion Sean Robinson kicked three goals for the contest, but his most important score was the final one, a snap that cannoned into the post to put his side ahead. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Enter Sean Robinson, whose right foot snap, running away from goal under severe Deniliquin pressure, curled, and curled, and … hit the post.

But it would be enough, with Mulwala holding on to deliver a famous win, prevailing 7.10 (52) to 8.3 (51).

Jack Tyndall was instrumental for Deniliquin, named as his side’s best player. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Another Robinson, this time Dylan, was named best on, a key factor in powering his side into the lead in the second half.

And so it was, by the barest of margins, that the Lions exorcised the demons of 12 months past in what was, for all of two hours, the most enthralling grand final of the day.