How the Mulwala Lions did it

It was a team effort. A unique start. Rather than the usual one coach being appointed or, in some cases, two as co-coaches, three coaches were appointed last September to be in charge of the senior side. Rohan Davies was off-field coach and main deliverer of speeches, and two star players Jackson Gash and Bodhi Butts were on-field coaches.

It was the path forward totally endorsed by footballing identities, club president Chris McNamara and football manager Dale Ferguson. They wanted the trio at Lonsdale Reserve Mulwala, snaring Davies to Mulwala from Melbourne and Butts back from Tungamah. The president and football manager believed the trio could work together.

“Rohan was committed, Gashy was happy and so was Buttsy. They had plenty of meetings, plotting how they wanted the game played. They just jelled,” Ferguson said.

“I’ve served under five presidents and ten coaches - Chris Kennedy (who went onto becoming a premiership coach at Yarrawonga) was coach when I arrived at the club (2006).

“All have been passionate, wanting to drive the club to success. Chris McNamara exudes that enthusiasm. He breathes the colours. He’s also netball president.

“He’s really driven. To look at his face on grand-final day – he was just overwhelmingly emotional, after seeing two losing grand-finals and half-a-dozen losing preliminary finals. Grand-finals are hard to win. A lot of effort and time go into them. We didn’t hit the front until there were nine minutes left.”

Mr McNamara said players worked so hard from November 7 when pre season commenced.

“They trained hard. It was pleasing to see how such good mates they were – with Jamie Smith the only one not local. Jamie played two really good finals – he was fantastic and fitted in so well,” he said.

“The coaches and players kept believing – they had that belief they could go really well. Every time I talked to the coaches they thought we were a real chance. Their commitment and working together was fantastic the whole season.

“Come grand-final day, I was very nervous but I was quietly confident. We went in as the underdogs. Cobram was probably the best side all year.”

The main pavilion at Lonsdale Reserve Mulwala was near capacity on the last training evening before grand-final day. “The Thursday night is always terrific but the last Thursday night was just electric with about 170 to 180 people supporting the team,” Mr McNamara said.

The strong belief Mulwala could be successful was orchestrated by experienced and successful player and coach Rohan Davies. “Without a doubt this premiership is the highlight of my career,” he said.

“I’ve had some highlights but the way we came from behind to win this one, after going down to them (by 12 points in the preliminary), whereas my previous premierships as captain or coach we led and won.

“My responsibility was to try and find a way to beat Cobram. Our boys had to fight right to the end. When the siren went, it was a mixture of overwhelming relief.

“Preparation plus opportunity equals success. If you train and prepare yourself, you’ll get the chance.”

Davies was keen to add his mate from Melbourne, Jamie Smith, to the team, with full club support and gave him a promise.

“I promised Jamie we’d be right up there – I didn’t guarantee him a premiership but the club wanted a number one ruckman,” the highly regarded coach said.

“He was incredible. Matt Gorman deserved his best on round and Jamie was right up there - he was fantastic and is a great human being. I was pleased with every player’s attitude, performance and belief.”

‘Humble’ in victory was a word used by Davies and Ferguson, the latter exampling how the team took the premiership cup to Mulwala Cemetery on the Monday following Saturday’s win.

“The playing group took the cup to talk to the likes of Macca (Brian McKee), Candles (Greg Hore), Phil Corboy and Bob Beams who did so much for the club,” Ferguson said.

Many remarkable aspects were evidenced with the victorious 2022 premiership squad in the Murray League including three Wilson and two Rouel brothers.

“Most of the side came through Mulwala Fourths, including the two on-field coaches,” Ferguson said.

“There are many great stories. James Wilson was terrific in the grand-final and has now played in four different team premierships – the fourths, thirds, two and seniors.

“Most of our boys are locals. We got Matt Gorman back to town who had been staring in the Goulburn Valley and with Yarrawonga and the O and M. Matt was best on ground. We got Jamie Smith on board, as our number one ruckman – someone we really wanted – and he was tremendous for us.

“There were three defining moments in that grand-final. James Wilson was one out with their full-forward, defended and ran off him clearing the ball. Secondly, Jackson Gash, a sliding chest mark and clearing down the line. Thirdly, Lach Rouel, again one out, he gave his opponent a gentle hip and shoulder, took him out of the contest allowing Lach to clear the ball – another scoring opportunity saved.

“I do want to mention immediate past coach Jason Sanderson. He helped set the foundation stone for this group and there were two seasons with Covid-interruption.”

The value of volunteers to Mulwala Football Netball Club was not lost on the club’s leaders.

“All our volunteers, as always, were just fantastic the whole year,” Mr McNamara said.

“The effort every year by Dale dealing with a lot of business including recruiting and contracts has been excellent.

“The Saturday night of the grand-final back here was just magnificent. It just meant so much to so many people. Thirty-two years is a long time. The belief and the whole team effort gave us the premiership.”