Joy for Nangwarry Saints as epic losing streak comes to an end

Overjoyed supporters of a long-suffering footy club have stormed the field amid joyous scenes in SA’s south east. See the video.

After losing every game of footy since 2014, the Saints have finally come marching in at Nangwarry — scoring a 10-point victory in front of its jubilant home supporters.

Saints President Shane Ploenges said the entire South East town was celebrating last night – ending one of the longest-losing droughts in SA regional football that stretched 106 games.

Four-goal star Andrew Hyland was the hero for the Saints in their thrilling 13.12.90 to 11.13.80 victory over Tantanoola - their first since July 26, 2014.

“This is great for the entire town and the community and we thought we played our grand final today,’’ Mr Ploenges said.

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“It has been nearly eight years and there are some pretty strong teams in our league.

“It has been a real struggle. The typical country football town is getting smaller and smaller, and there are a lot more older people and not as many kids around town.”

Located 30km north of Mt Gambier, Nangwarry plays in the 9-team Mid South East Football League currently dominated by Hatherleigh, Kalangadoo, and Robe.

“We signed up a new coach last year and he has brought in a few players this year and we will get a few more young fellas next year,’’ Mr Ploenges.

“Coach Luke Thompson is getting a good blend of players now with the young ones coming in.

“Luke should get a lot of the credit for this. He played his footy with Tarpeena but that is just down the road from us and so he has always had a strong affiliation with Nangwarry.”

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As well as the losses on the field, the timber town Saints have done it tough off-field as well.

In 2019, a fire burned down the Saints’ clubrooms causing around $500,000 damage.

This fire added to the woes of the small town of 500 people, which was hit with 10 suspicious fires between 2015 and 2019.

In January 2017, The Advertiser reported the community was concerned for its safety after at least seven house fires left a trail of damage over 18 months.

Nangwarry Football Club celebrating their last win all the way back in 2014. Picture Facebook

“We didn’t even have a club for three years because the club house burnt down in 2019 but we kept playing on,’’ Mr Ploenges said.

“We have kind of got the club up and running again this year so it has been a good year so far.

“We are all enjoying the atmosphere around the club in 2022 and today had a finals feel about it.

“A lot of people thought we had a chance today so came along and a lot of people have been following the club this year so there was a good turnout.” Mr Ploenges said.