Berrigan Saints thirds football 2026 Picola League premiers.
The Berrigan thirds travelled to Mathoura Recreation Reserve for the grand final, backed by strong numbers from the Saints faithful.
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The match started exactly as expected, with high defensive pressure from both the Saints and the Barooga Hawks keeping scoring opportunities scarce.
Berrigan managed two behinds in the first term and held Barooga scoreless.
Berrigan continued to dominate general play and control of the footy in the second term, but were let down by inaccuracy in front of goal and only adding two behinds.
Pressure from both sides remained intense, and Barooga capitalised with one goal and two behinds to take a four-point lead into the main break.
The Saints regrouped at half-time, taking on board the challenges set by their coaches.
Tom Baxter was instrumental throughout and was deservedly awarded best on ground by the umpires, while Josh Monteath produced the best game of his season.
Jordan Dean was prominent on the wing, winning plenty of the footy and making the most of it.
Logan Peasley and Taylor Thornton never let up all day, constantly first to every loose ball.
The third term lived up to its reputation as the premiership quarter.
A positional switch midway through saw Austin Ware move into the Saints' forward 50, where he became a real headache for Barooga's Xavier Franklin.
That freed up space for the Saints forwards, and Lachlan Whelan and Jordan Swann each kicked a goal to give the young Saints a five-point lead at the final change.
The tone was set early in the last term. Barooga hit back with two goals of their own, including a snap from Murphy Stephens, while the Whelan and Swann continued to lead up and absorb heavy pressure.
Jack Phillips produced the highlight of the day, roosting a goal from the boundary pocket. It was, the spark the Saints needed to finish the job.
Hudson Ware and Kaleb Litchfield took a string of clutch marks in the defensive 50, while Tully Ryan, Nick Arnold and Clem Surrey were relentless with their pressure, laying second and third efforts that were simply elite in defence.
That pressure forced another late turnover, and Swann and Whelan made the most of it to seal the result.
The final siren etched a moment into the club's history.
Final score: Berrigan 5.11 (41) def Barooga 4.5 (29).
Goals: Lachlan Whelan 2, Jordan Swann 2, Jack Phillips.
Best: Tom Baxter, Josh Monteath, Kaleb Litchfield, Austin Ware, Jordan Swann, Lachlan Whelan.
Luke Dunn and Tom Baxter compete in the ruck.
Tom Baxter receives the best on ground medal.
Murphy Stephens kicks for goal.
Taylor Thornton gets the kick out under pressure.
Austin Ware gets ball to boot under pressure.
Jack Phillips wins the ruck tap to Jordan Swann.
Logan Peasley takes a mark with Lachlan Whelan watching on.
Jordan Swann celebrates in the grand final.
The Berrigan Saints thirds 2026 grand final banner.
The Berrigan thirds players celebrate at the final siren.
The Berrigan Thirds in the grand final winners' rooms.
The 2026 Picola League thirds premiers Berrigan Saints.
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