Leongatha’s reign at the top set to continue with their youth coming through

Leongatha has been one of the best teams in country football for the past few years. We find out what makes the Parrots so tough to beat.

Leongatha ranks its 2023 Gippsland Football League success as its best from its recent dominance.

The Parrots have won four of the past five flags to be one of the most dominant teams in Victorian country footy.

And their performances have seen them ranked as country footy’s third best team in 2023 by this masthead.

Leongatha president Mal Mackie said this year was the sternest test the club had in awhile.

And he believes the success comes down to the club’s development of its junior players — they played this year’s grand final with 17 one-point players.

“They are all good mates and they all stick together, so it helps immensely that way,” Mackie said.

“For us we want to keep our kids, that’s what we want to do.

“We don’t want to go out and buy four or five players every year.

“So we look after our own young blokes.”

Leongatha’s Kim Drew celebrates a goal during the grand final. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The Parrots finished the home-and-away season third on the ladder after losses to minor premier Wonthaggi and Moe.

But when it came to the finals the Parrots stood tall despite a first week loss to the Power.

“The competition is getting stronger and stronger,” Mackie said.

“When Moe and Wonthaggi beat us in the home and away games they were better sides on the day.

“They recruited well. Trent (McMicking, the Leongatha coach) put a few things in place and luckily it all worked out in the end.”

While other teams would prefer an easier path to the grand final, the Parrots embraced the challenge.

“The whole competition has lifted and we knew they were coming after us,” Mackie said.

“We were glad we got beaten a couple of times, because all the pressure was taken off us.

“All the pressure was on Moe and Wonthaggi, which was good for us.”

So what’s the secret to the Parrots run?

The team had the best attack and the second best defence through the season with Leongatha forwards Jenson Garnham and Jack Ginnane combining for 95 goals.

Leongatha Parrots celebrate the win. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Mackie said while the team is well credentialed in both areas it was the club’s youth which has helped the club to the top.

Mackie added a hunger in the team to keep their success was also a factor.

“Our leaders are hungry, to be honest with you,” he said.

“They don’t play for money, they play for finals and hopefully the reward comes their way.”

And Leongatha will need the hunger to remain.

“Our league going the way it is, it’s going to get stronger and stronger,” Mackie said.

“I can only see us (as a league) going to a new level.

“I’m not saying we’ll win the flag but I’m confident we’ll play finals next year.

“Once you play finals anything can happen.”