Rushworth’s Liam Adlington and Paul Vavlitis proved that size doesn’t matter as the pair engineered a stunning one-point win over Nagambie. Photos: Matthew Kappos
Kyabram District League football’s story of the season delivered once more on Saturday, bringing another title contender in Nagambie to its knees at the death in the second semi-final.
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Travelling to Stanhope Recreation Reserve, Rushworth had pulled one out of its hat to down Shepparton East — and once again completed a miracle against the Lakers.
Rushworth coach Mark Wheatley said that while the side had been craving club success, the Tigers were doing it for much more.
Liam Francis gets on the ball in a congested area.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
“I broke down in tears just thinking about it all,” he said.
“It's not just me and or any single individual, it's been a real concerted effort by many great people to get here.
“To see all the supporters there on the weekend, last week was enormous and on the weekend it was even bigger.
“Look at what it means to the town to be here, we are doing it for them.”
Ryan Beale gets it forward.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
It wasn’t like Rushworth had the game wrapped up from the beginning, it trailed narrowly in the first quarter (2.6), while Nagambie kicked straighter (3.3).
The second period was a different story, with not much separating the two sides, but a three-goal barrage lifted the Tigers to a two-point advantage at the major break.
Liam Adlington and Josh Walker in the ruck contest.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
The Lakers (4.3) put in their best attacking effort of the match in the third period to kick away from Rushworth (2.1) which looked under siege.
However, as clutch as they come, the combined efforts of cult hero Paul Vavlitis and best-on-ground ruckman Liam Adlington went a long way in securing an unbelievable 9.12 (66) to 9.11 (65) triumph.
Andrew Clarke is fired up as Rushworth went into the half with a lead.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
“Paul (Vavlitis) had some late individual magic, and he hit the post, so, that put us a point up, and then it was just a dog fight for the last few minutes,” Wheatley said.
“He's (Paul) been a revelation for our club this year, he’s a first year senior player and did a great job.
“Liam Adlington was enormous, I don't think he lost a hit-out, he got the ball forward and let our players run on to it.
“We just got that real momentum surge and came storming home.”
Nico McKinley and Liam Adlington celebrate a goal.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Wheatley took time to acknowledge Nagambie’s efforts while reflecting on the significance of the victory for Rushworth.
“We really respect Nagambie, I think they're a powerhouse club,” he said.
“Their record in finals speaks for itself and we knew we were going to be up against it.
“But, I just thought if we could bring our style and play our way, we'd certainly be able to match it, and we did.”
Ethan Arnold escapes Xavier Arandt.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
The Tigers are in for a true test of their resolve when they face one of two genuine flag threats in Lancaster on Saturday in the preliminary final at Central Park Recreation Reserve.
Regardless of the test, Wheatley is confident in his side, which is happy operating as heavy a underdog against one of the most dominant sides of the past decade in the competition.
Nico McKinley has a look.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
“I actually think prelims are the hardest games to win,” he said.
“A lot of the time, sides use up all their energy in the prelim to win and get in the grand final and sort of fall in a heap.
“Lancaster are a powerhouse club, so they’ll be a challenge, but I’ve described our side like a new prizefighter coming up through the ranks.
Paul Vavlitis strolled into the goal square off a breakaway.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
“You beat Shepparton East who is a 26-0 professional fighter, then Nagambie as a 30-0, and now you come up against the world heavyweight champions in Lancaster with Murchison-Toolamba on the same level.
“What do we do to beat them? How many punches do we have to land? We are still working that out, but we’ll train well, freshen up and hopefully land the knockout blow.”
