Lincoln South defeats Marble Range by dive points in Port Lincoln FL grand final

An SA country footy club has broken a 20-year premiership drought, defeating a local powerhouse by a kick to send fans into a frenzy. See the celebrations.

A revitalised SA country footy club has broken a 20-year premiership drought with a five point grand final win over a local powerhouse on Saturday.

Lincoln South – led by new playing-coach, former Port Adelaide forward Johann Wagner – handed Port Lincoln FL juggernaut Marble Range just its second loss in three years to win the 2023 premiership, the club’s first since 2002.

The Eagles got off to a fast start against the minor premier Magpies off the back of a Wagner masterclass in the first term, but were pegged back gradually throughout the next two quarters.

The club held firm at the back in the final quarter however, and produced two seamless moments of attacking footy, resulting in a Coen Taylor goal from the boundary and a Waylon Miller winner from directly in front with just minutes remaining.

“It was just a feeling of relief for me coaching my first grand final when the siren went but soon after there was a huge sense of happiness and elation,” Wagner said.

Lincoln South players celebrate after the siren. Picture: Port Lincoln Football League

“It’s pretty surreal really and just so good to see the happiness on everyone’s faces at the club – it has been a long time.

“Playing against such a good side that has proved itself time and time again, we always thought they would come at us, so it’s a massive credit to the boys that they were able to dig deep and get the win.”

The club has experienced a swift turnaround since the arrival of Wagner, 2023 Mail Medallist Michael Mazey and new captain Zane Montgomerie.

The Eagles lost the 2022 preliminary final to Wayback by 70 points but found another level in this year’s finals series.

“It’s been an amazing year which has transformed me as a person on and off the field,” Wagner said.

“Getting recruits like Michael (Mazey) and Zane (Montgomerie) in has helped us – they’re fantastic leaders and players – but we’ve only got three players who haven’t come through the club’s junior ranks so the development of a lot of other guys has also been big.

Lincoln South celebrates its 2023 Port Lincoln FL premiership. Picture: Port Lincoln Football League

“Being a playing-coach has been a new role for me and it has been challenging but it’s a great group and the club has shown me a lot of love and support – as soon as I walked in I knew we were headed in the right direction.”

While Lincoln South still has a young team, Wagner said they had shown significant maturation throughout the finals.

He believed the club could use the premiership win as a stepping stone toward long-term success.

“We’ve shown that we’re now able to maintain leads and not let games slip which is a massive step for a young group,” Wagner said.

“This is a super important achievement for the team and the club and it’s going to be great for everyone’s confidence.

“I honestly believe we can achieve a lot more in the future.”

The A Grade side’s historic win capped off a perfect day for the Eagles, with the club’s B Grade side also topping Marble Range earlier in the day.

The B Grade held the Magpies goalless through the first two quarters to set up the win.