Blues go down despite good fight against Nathalia

By Gus Underwood

Jun 10, 2025

Mackenzie Cowley was named one of Tongala’s best against Nathalia. Photos: Jordan Townrow

Tongala went down again in round nine, but with a lot more fight than it produced against Mulwala in its previous Murray Football League clash.

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Pitted against a likely finalist in Nathalia at Tongala Recreation Reserve on Saturday, the home side was beaten by 16 points and was competitive for most of the game.

Tongala captain Kyle Fitzgerald said a slow start and a failure to capitalise on its second quarter dominance were the main reasons for its defeat.

Jordan Souter boots one. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

‘‘They got a break on us in the first term when they had the wind, but we didn’t take our chances in the second quarter when we got on top,” Fitzgerald said.

‘‘We kicked 2.8 for the quarter and were still trailing at half-time.

‘‘We got within a couple of kicks from then on, but they were always able to respond.

‘‘But it was a lot better than the previous week.“

Jack Hammond takes aim. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Tongala had its two best players in its younger brigade, with Jessie Johnstone and Mackenzie Cowley the standouts.

Smooth moving left footer Johnstone, back from Bendigo Pioneers, displayed his silky skills on the wing, along with Cowley and Darwin fly-in star Cam Ilett and Tristan Watson, who were also in the midfield.

Kyle Fitzgerald and Brodie Ross in the contest. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Sam Cipriani, who played on a forward flank and the midfield, also did well, and Fitzgerald turned in his usual reliable game in the ruck in an absorbing duel with star Nathalia big man Brodie Ross.

The effort of Alex Williams to hold the competition’s leading goal-kicker Liam Evans to five goals was also a valuable contribution to the Tongala cause.

The final score was Nathalia 11.9 (75) to Tongala 8.11 (59).

Bailey Waasdorp slots it from the wing. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Tongala gets the chance to bring up its third win for the season this Saturday when it travels to meet another struggler, Finley.

The Blues could be boosted for the clash with the return of Jack Grintell.

Sam Cipriani tries to smother Brayden Summerville’s kick. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

In the reserves, Tongala was edged out in a thrilling see-saw contest earlier in the day.

With the lead changing at almost ever major interval, the Blues almost romped home after holding Nathalia to no score down the stretch.

Matthew Daniel on the burst. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Unfortunately, Tongala 7.9 (51) fell a couple of behinds short of the Purples 8.5 (53).

The under-17s walked off the park victorious, putting Nathalia away in a one-sided contest.

Max Trigwell tries to get it off before Tom Nihill brings him down. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Blues’ lockdown defence meant the Purples only kicked three goals for the match, while the hosts piled on 11 to claim a 54-point victory.

The final score was 11.9 (75) to 3.3 (21).

Tongala Football Netball Club also had it’s $10,000 ball drop on Saturday with Archie Haw the lucky winner.

All participants that bought a ticket gained access to the ball drop party from 5-7pm that had free wine and beer, with wood fire pizza, roast rolls and paella and live music from Ethan Calway.