Lockington-Bamawm United’s quest for its first flag since 2014 got off to shaky start, but not to worry, I still firmly believe it will be crowned premiers in a fortnight’s time.
Looking to punch their ticket straight to the Heathcote District League grand final, the two-time reigning premiers were handed a 31-point loss by Mount Pleasant on Saturday, a result that now leaves them on the brink of elimination.
While of course not ideal, their defeat was not terminal.
Cats have nine lives, and while LBU is not quite afforded the same perpetuity as its namesakes, it does at least have a second chance against Colbinabbin this weekend.
It’s a second opportunity I believe the Cats will take, and I think the defeat to Mounts will spur them on to premiership success.
LBU’s downfall last weekend was just its second loss in the last two years, but the way the Cats responded to their streak-breaking defeat to Colbinabbin earlier this year provides proof of how they respond to adversary.
The Cats had won 18 games in a row before the Hoppers ended their winning form, but they responded in style.
They reeled off nine-straight wins to end the season, defeating Mount Pleasant, Colbinabbin and North Bendigo — each of the HDFL’s other top-four sides — during that run.
That streak powered the Cats to first place on the ladder, cementing their status as the top side in the competition while also proving they can bounce back to defeat a side that has previously beaten them — something they will now have to do again.
A loss last weekend doesn’t change the fact that LBU is still in great shape for a run to the flag.
The Cats have the best player in the league — Tyler Phillips — on their team, who last week won the league’s best-and-fairest award for the second year in a row, and a host of top-quality footballers as well.
The Cats boast three players in the top 10 for most goals in the league — Anthony McMahon (45), Thomas Leech (32) and Jarod Bacon (32) — more than any other club.
The trio has had great seasons in the blue and white, as have teammates Marcus Angove, Charlie Hinks, Lachlan Atherton and Riley McIvor.
LBU doesn’t just have the cattle on the park to bring home a premiership, it should have a tonne of motivation too.
The Cats have earned 27 wins over the past two seasons and have been the top side in the competition, but so far they have nothing to show for it. A premiership would change that.
After their unbeaten season in 2021 came to a premature end with no finals and no flag due to COVID-19, the Cats now have a chance to cap off two superb seasons by inking their name in the record books.
It will start with a win this weekend and end with celebrations in a fortnight. Take it to the bank, LBU will win the premiership.
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