This Saturday, the Blues can win a third straight flag and achieve the feat without a loss over the three-year period.
“We don't really have it over our heads, but we’re aware that it’s there, for sure,” coach Tiff Bartram said.
The Blues were under the tutelage of Paige Wade — who still plays in the team — the past two years.
Bartram took over in the off-season after leading Tonny’s 17-and-under side to a prelim in 2025.
It’s not always straightforward for a new coach to step into an already successful team, but the transition has clearly been smooth.
Tongala finished four wins clear of its two closest challenges, Moama and Mulwala, after an 18-0 regular season.
The Blues’ 1200 scored and 521 conceded were also far better than the next best, and they had an average winning margin of about 38 goals.
Reading those statistics would make anyone think Tongala’s grand final opponent had no chance.
The Blues are facing Mulwala, a team they have beat by 20 and 16 goals, respectively, this year.
Those margins could be labelled as respectable for the Lions, such is Tongala’s dominance of the grade.
“They’ve been our biggest competitor all season,” Bartram said.
“We were surprised that they finished third in the end because they have pushed us the most.
“We played them twice throughout the season and obviously came out on top, but both times I think they had a few quarters where they actually beat us, which hasn't happened much at all this season.
“So we know that they’re a fierce competitor.”
Bartram’s memory would be correct.
Mulwala won two of the eight periods the sides have played.
The coach may have been playing down the advantage Tonny seem to have on paper.
But she’s also hoping the Lions provide a sterner test than the “bit of a non-event” Tongala had against Moama last week.
They didn’t really need to send out a statement, but a 68-29 thrashing was certainly that.
The Blues now chase history in the decider, starting at 12.30pm at Moama Recreation Reserve.
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