Magpies soar to victory in second half

But Shannon Keam’s side turned a corner in the second half, starting with a dominant third quarter.

The two sides traded a goal each to begin the period before Moama kicked the next five without reply to suddenly hold a 20-point lead entering the final term.

Rumba created a couple of early opportunities in the fourth, but couldn’t convert, opening the door for the Magpies to end the contest at the other end with another two majors.

Moama didn’t have it all its own way in the 11.8 (74) to 6.8 (44) victory, being matched by the hosts throughout a well-fought first half.

Keam’s side led 15-8 at quarter-time before Rumba started to take control in the second term, booting three goals to one and holding a marginal lead at the main break.

But performances from the likes of Khy Stovell, who kicked six majors, were key in the Magpies working to conclude their year with an eighth win from 18 matches.

After finishing third and reaching the second week of finals in 2025, Moama took a step back this time around by missing the post-season.

The Magpies placed seventh in the wash-up, being two wins adrift of the top six and only a game clear of eighth-placed Finley.

Their final regular season record at 8-10 was also significantly worse than the 14-4 the side produced last year.

Moama started its campaign on the back foot, being 1-4 after five matches, but seemed to be back on track after six straight wins from rounds seven to 13.

But the Magpies were unable to match it with the competition’s better sides and their tougher schedule down the stretch led to one win from their final seven games.