Freeling Football Club posts first win since 2019 in dramatic victory over Willaston

Another SA footy club has broken a years-long losing streak, with Freeling storming home after more than 1000 days without a win. See their celebrations.

All eyes were on the red and the blue as a Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association club broke a losing streak 1064 days long on Saturday, exacting revenge on a top three side to send supporters into a frenzy.

While Nangwarry celebrated its first win since 2014 on Saturday, the Freeling Redlegs outdid an Andrew Jarman-coached Willaston 9.13 (67) to 18.3 (111) away from home to win its first A Grade game since 2019.

Captain Ben Heinrich (four goals), playing-coach Jonathon Ross (three goals) and forward Brady Scott (six goals) starred as the Legs – who lost to Willaston by 88 points in round one – stormed home for a memorable win.

“We’ve worked bloody hard over the last three years and we’ve just never given in,” president Craig Trestrail said.

The Freeling Redlegs celebrate their shock drought-breaking win.

“The atmosphere was electric and the boys partied pretty hard.

“It was just a massive relief, and all the emotion after the game – you can’t bottle that stuff.”

It was a moment years in the making for Freeling, who last won on July 20, 2019 against South Gawler.

The club was forced to pull its senior teams from the competition in 2020 during Covid and felt the impact of the decision in 2021, failing to record a win while working to get back on its feet.

Freeling 200-game player Travis Muster in action this season. Picture: Freeling Football Club

“It was a very hard decision but it was in our best interests, we couldn’t maintain all of our teams and a club like us needs to keep its juniors and colts going for longevity,” Trestrail said.

“We just didn’t have the cattle in 2021 but after good recruitment for this season we felt a win wasn’t far away.”

The club added some big names for 2022, including Nic Hales from Port District and former SANGL player Aaron Killian.

The team has gradually come together under Jonathon Ross this year, and the proof was in the pudding on Saturday, Ross’ men booting eight goals in the first term and never looking back.

Freeling coach Jonathon Ross (right) has gradually turned the A Grade side around since signing in the offseason. Picture: Freeling Football Club

“The fast start was key on Saturday – we’ve had a few games this year where we started slow and still almost won,” Trestrail said.

“The nerves definitely did start to kick in during the fourth quarter for us watching but at the end of the day we had nothing to lose and they (Willaston) had it all to lose.

“It was just a fantastic moment and I’m very happy for Jono and the boys because they’ve worked so hard.”

While Trestrail believed the A Grade could win more games this year, next on the agenda for the Redlegs was a B Grade win.

“Their drought could be longer than A Grade’s, so if they can also get a win this coming weekend the whole state might hear the celebration.”