It was a special day at Tocumwal on Good Friday.
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Not only was it opening round for the Picola & District Football League, the club hosted Barooga for their return to the league after a stint in Murray.
Prior to the first bounce, the club proudly presented new players with their guernseys in a special pre-game ceremony.
Adding to the occasion, former AFL player and Tocumwal junior legend Leon Higgins addressed the playing group.
Higgins delivered a powerful message, reminding players to value the tireless work that happens behind the scenes and to appreciate what it takes to build a strong and successful community club.
The seniors match began with great intensity, with both sides eager to make a statement early in the season.
Tocumwal fielded several local players, a pleasing sign for the club’s future.
However, it was Barooga who made the early running, kicking six goals to Tocumwal’s three in the opening term.
The second quarter was a tightly contested affair, with both teams working hard around the contest and showing plenty of determination.
Despite Tocumwal’s efforts, Barooga maintained their advantage, heading into the main break with a 24-point lead.
Tocumwal came out of the half-time break with renewed energy and purpose.
In a dominant third-quarter display, they piled on four unanswered goals, surging to a narrow three-point lead and shifting the momentum firmly in their favour.
With the game up for grabs heading into the final term, Barooga responded strongly.
They produced a powerful last quarter, kicking seven goals to three to run away with the game and secure a 21-point victory.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Tocumwal, particularly the contribution of local players and the team’s impressive third-quarter fightback.
With continued effort and cohesion, the signs are promising for the season ahead.
Final score: Tocumwal 12.8 (80) def by Barooga 16.5 (101).
Goals: Jack Tyndall 3, Liam Sutton 3, Brock Close 2, Brayden Hall 2, Nate Grieves, Nicolas Egan.
Best: Sam Decicco, Chase Hardwidge, Harvey White, Clay Howe, Jack Tyndall, Ricky Gittens.
Awards: Harvey White, Chase Hardwidge and Sam Decicco.
Reserves
The midday show was played in great spirit, with both sides enjoying the occasion in front of a strong crowd.
Tocumwal worked hard throughout the day, showing good effort around the contest, but Barooga proved too strong on the scoreboard.
It was a solid hit-out to kick off the season and sets a platform to build from in the weeks ahead.
Final score: Tocumwal 3.2 (20) def by Barooga 6.8 (44).
Goals: Kane Wardlaw, Luke White, Caleb Johnson.
Best: Charles Locke, Jesse Colston, Glyn Matters, Connor Crowley, Noah Sneddon, Kane Wardlaw.
Awards: Charles Locke, Glyn Matters, Jesse Colston, William Barnes.
Thirds
The thirds went down to Barooga, but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
After working hard to get a side on the park, the group showed resilience and never dropped their heads, competing strongly right to the final siren.
There is plenty to build on as the side continues to grow and develop across the season.
Final score: Tocumwal 4.6 (30) def by Barooga 10.12 (72).
Goals: Harrison Wilson, Chace Brunskill, Brax Brunskill, Cooper Quick.
Best: Phoenix Valente, Archie Chellew, Heath Mansell, Jake Hicks, Connor Fita, Mason Butterworth.
Awards: Phoenix Valente, Archie Chellew, Heath Mansell, Jake Hicks, Connor Fita.
Fourths
The young Bloods got their season off to a cracking start with a strong win over Barooga.
From the opening bounce, Tocumwal brought pressure and intensity, controlling the contest and moving the ball well going forward.
The defence stood tall all day, limiting Barooga’s scoring opportunities and working well as a unit.
It was a terrific team performance, with plenty of contributors and a strong willingness to work for each other.
Final score: Tocumwal 4.4 (28) def Barooga 1.1 (7).
Goals: Joel Harrison 2, Ollie East, Clancy Gatty.
Best: Ryan Johnston, Joel Harrison, Brax Brunskill, Angus Kruzinga, Lucas Grieves, Taylor Findlay.
Awards: Brax Brunskill, Joel Harrison, Taylor Findlay, Angus Kruzinga, Lucas Grieves.
Fifths
The day began with the club’s youngest Bloods in the fifths taking to the field, with their enthusiasm and energy a great reminder of the club’s future.