Murray League grand finals smash attendance records at Moama

By Oliver Shedden

Sep 23, 2024

Congupna supporters rejoice as their team claimed its first Murray Football League senior flag in more than 30 years. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Murray Football Netball League grand finals for all grades occurred on Saturday, September 21, at Moama Recreation Reserve.

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Throughout the day, 6300 people entered the venue, and nearly 90,000 people attended games throughout the season.

Bright weather brought armies of supporters for contending teams sporting their team’s colours, wanting to do anything they could to turn a game’s tide.

Fewer than 10 points decided all but one of the football games and the netball produced some thrilling contests, including a C-reserve battle between Echuca United and Tongala that went overtime.

Tongala supporters surrounded the C-reserve side as they sung the team song after a thrilling win against Echuca United. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Murray Football League president Dale Norman reflected on the day and praised Moama for its success in hosting the festivities year in and year out.

“It was an outstanding day with incredible results; Moama continues to deliver,” he said.

“That’s the sixth grand final we’ve had at that venue and most of the football was won by less than a goal, which is an incredible result and pretty much summed up the season for the Murray league.

Finley fans came out in force to support the senior side. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“Moama as a venue attracts people from around the region. They see it as a day out and it continues to break attendance records.

“There were roughly 6300 people at the grand finals on Saturday and 88,000 people for the season, which smashed all of our records.”

Norman also reminisced about the season, grand final, and the Murray league’s state as it moves into 2025.

Fans made signs and wore their colours in support. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“There were so many great moments throughout the day, but that senior final was something else; it just went back and forth in those final couple of minutes in the seniors and was a thrilling contest,” he said.

“The season as a whole was outstanding, most of our clubs are in contention, and the future looks bright. Bring on 2025.”