Central Murray: Kerang wins its ninth flag in 15 seasons

Undefeated Kerang was “smashed” by Balranald in the second semi-final. See how the dominant team turned it around on grand final day.

Kerang recovered from being “smashed” by Balranald a fortnight ago to keep its remarkable run of Central Murray league premiership success flowing, with a 10-point win in the grand final at Swan Hill on Saturday.

The reigning premiers had not lost a match this season until suffering a 50-point defeat to Balranald in the second semi-final that left coach Troy Coates in search of a response.

Kerang are the 2023 Central Murray league premiers after a 10-point win over Balranald. Pictures: Tracy Roberts

It came when Kerang earned another shot at Balranald by winning the preliminary final and then delivered in the big moments of the second half of the grand final to clinch back-to-back premierships.

“It was backs against the walls a little bit,” Coates said.

“They smashed us a couple of weeks ago and we were down early and just had to hang in there.

“Our effort and pressure wasn’t there.

“We won all games during the year and expected it to happen.

“But if you don’t turn up in finals you get found out.”

Kerang coach Troy Coates, left, and captain Josh Nitschke lift the Central Murray premiership cup.

Brad Pay, who didn’t play in the second semi-final, kicked three goals in the grand final with Sam Heavyside, Nicholas Lang, Lachlan Ross and Michael Dalrymple other key players.

Kerang has won both flags since the Covid interruption following seven premierships from 10 grand final appearances between 2008 and 2017.

Coates and Ryan Gillingham have played in the nine flags Kerang has won in the last 15 years with Coates coaching five of them.

Coates announced his retirement as a player after Saturday’s win, but will continue coaching Kerang next year.

It trailed by 10 points at halftime with Balranald butchering a string of scoring chances late in the second term when best-on-ground medal winner Matt Neagle and SANFL recruit Ethan Gant were in full flight.

Kerang coach Troy Coates plots a move during the Central Murray league grand final win against Balranald.

The third quarter belonged to Kerang with Caleb Nitschke kicking two of its four goals to take a four-point lead at three quarter time.

Its lead grew to 14 points when Riley Smith kicked truly before Balranald mounted one last charge.

Ben Fuller’s fourth for the game and another to Matt Neagle cut the margin to only a goal before a brilliant running shot from Josh Nitschke sealed victory.