Mathoura’s last act not enough to withstand finals-bound Jerilderie

Mathoura finished with a win-loss record of 4-11 after its final match against the Demons, who needed a win to ensure their place in the top eight.

The Cutters trailed by just 10 points at quarter-time in a promising start at Mathoura Recreation Reserve before both teams went goalless in the second term.

Another low-scoring quarter saw Mathoura trail by 19 points at three-quarter time, but a five-goal-to-no-score final term the way of Jerilderie put the game to bed.

Aron Burns booted two goals, while Sam McHale and the Simpson brothers, Luka and Jacob, were in Mathoura’s best players.

Co-coach Tim McCormick said while a win would have been nice to finish the season, the building blocks are already in place for 2024.

“We probably had some disappointing patches over the 12 months but the positives outweighed the negatives,” McCormick said.

“We’ve got something we can really build on. Credit has to go to the people involved last year to make sure they kept the side on the park when things were really ordinary.

“We have a great core group who get on and are good mates.”

Already re-signed for next season, McCormick and Nick Ferrari are on the hunt for some experienced heads to help guide the Timbercutters’ young core.

“One of the biggest things I think is helping the young blokes, especially the likes of Kyle Magro in the ruck, who basically did it solo as an 18-year-old,” McCormick said.

“He’s rucked one out all year, so we’ll try and get some support for him.

“We’re a reasonably young group, so a bit more experience (is needed). Nick and myself are off-field coaches, so having people out on the ground who can take control and organise structures.”

In terms of season highlights, the Mathoura mentor pointed to the side’s round 12 clash against second-placed Strathmerton as cause for optimism going forward.

“Even though it wasn’t a win, taking Strathmerton right to the wire was a highlight,” he said.

“They got us by seven points but they finished second on the ladder and they’re the only team to have beaten Waaia.

“That was probably one of the prouder moments, the way (the players) stuck at the task.”

The PDFL home-and-away season has now concluded, with minor premier Waaia, Strathmerton, Tungamah, Katunga, Katandra, Katamatite, Jerilderie and Deniliquin Rovers qualifying for finals.

On the courts, Mathoura’s A-grade side ended its season with a 50-54 defeat to Jerilderie, falling just short of the top eight by one game and finishing ninth.

Mathoura’s B-grade outfit came up clutch in a 23-goal win over the Demons to secure eighth spot by percentage, pipping Yarroweyah with a 7-8 record.

It will be joined in finals by the club’s C-reserve and under-13 sides, which both finished in fourth place.