Freeling Football Club celebrates two senior wins for the first time in seven years

A local footy club experienced a drought-breaking victory on the weekend, marking the first time both its senior sides have won in the same round in seven years. See the celebrations.

A local footy club has broken its second longstanding drought of the season, just months after the previous achievement.

The Freeling Football Club – part of the Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association – saw its reserves side win its first game in 1,861 days over the weekend, defeating Willaston 50-39 in the final round of the season.

The milestone came just months after the Redlegs’ A Grade won its first game since 2019.

In added excitement, the A Grade also won its round 18 game, defeating Gawler Central 11.7 (73) to 7.10 (52) to mark its second win of the year and the first time both senior sides have won a round of footy since 2015.

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“It’s great to have the monkey off the back all through the senior ranks now,” president Craig Trestrail said.

Freeling's reserves side leaves the ground and applauds fans after their historic win over Willaston. Picture: Freeling Football Club

“It felt really good to end the season in that way and we couldn’t be happier for the B Grade boys – they’ve been hanging out for a win for a long time.”

The win sparked high-spirited celebrations in the rooms, with a player even asking “does anyone remember the words?” during the team song.

Trestrail said the side’s reaction was a reflection of the club’s positive approach to the game.

“Everyone at the club maintains that positive outlook even if wins aren’t quite on the board – we were all in high spirits, smiling, celebrating and cracking jokes,” he said.

Freeling Football Club celebrating its A Grade win earlier this year.

“It was pretty special, we all got around each other and the rooms were packed with everyone who’s been involved.

“For both senior sides to get a win on the same day as well, it’s a fantastic achievement for us – some people at the club haven’t even seen that so it felt fantastic to celebrate it.”

The club had shown gradual improvement throughout the year, with star players like Travis Muster, Scott Dutschke and Ben Heinrich all producing dominant seasons and leading the A Grade side throughout 2022.

Freeling 200-game player Travis Muster has been a star this year and a key part of the club’s recent successes. Picture: Freeling Football Club

Trestrail said that despite the Redlegs’ struggles, their development throughout the year and the final round of wins had put them in a strong position to attack season 2023.

“Whenever you can finish a season on a high it definitely rolls into the offseason and then the next season,” Trestrail said.

“There was a sense of relief over the weekend but now there’s some real momentum, energy and enthusiasm across the senior group.

“We’ve shown we’re on the right track and are ready to become really competitive and the players are now all eager to continue on that success.”

The club will watch on as the BL&G’s 2022 finals series kicks off on Saturday.