A latent start led to the Bombers languishing in that year’s Picola District Football League grand final, shrouding a sunny day at Berrigan to cede the flag to Strathmerton.
This weekend is a chance to set the record straight once and for all.
Though Waaia took out last year’s decider and has only lost twice in two years ― once to Jerilderie in 2022 and again to Strathmerton this season ― there’s an air of redemption lingering in the Bombers camp ahead of Saturday’s showdown with the Bulldogs.
“We certainly forged a decent little rivalry over the last couple of years,” Cleeland said.
“Twenty-nineteen left a little bit of a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth; there’s certainly no love lost every time we hit the field with those guys.
“They’re always competitive and we pride ourselves on the same thing, so when we’re out there it’s always going gangbusters and I’m sure Saturday won’t be any different.
“It would certainly be nice to get one back over them after 2019 that’s for sure.”
Victory in the grand final would draw Waaia level with Picola United as the league’s most successful current member with 12 senior flags.
It’s easier said than done.
The Bombers and Bulldogs finished the home and away season with 14-1 ledgers and the array of game-winners both boast is genuinely remarkable.
Pearce medallist Jake Ellery and goal-kicking phenom Tim Looby are Strathmerton’s top-ranked threats.
Waaia ruck sensation Ash Holland and forward Charlie Burrows are some of the competition’s most feared.
It all points to the best possible outcome for the grand final match-up fans could have only prayed for.
“Anytime you can play someone who’s a really good footy side and you get that challenge, it lifts the group and that’s something I’m sure any footballer strives towards,” Cleeland said.
“To be playing probably the benchmark in a grand final is what we’re expecting and hoping for, now it’s just a matter of putting all the pieces of the puzzle together and finding a way to get the job done.
“It’s something that we’ve been hoping to get to all year and now that it’s finally here I think excitement is probably the main feeling around the group at the moment.
“When you have both grades in and I’m sure Strathy are the exact same, everyone’s over the moon and our attitude at the moment is in a good space.
“Hopefully that leaves us in a good stead on Saturday.”
Cleeland went on to say he has a “nice headache” in the lead up, noting a complete list of Bombers waiting at his disposal for the grand final.
