Loddon Valley: Pyramid Hill stumbles in quest to win first premiership since 1950

Marong has claimed a premiership three-peat in the Loddon Valley. See our full match report, and who also won flags on Saturday.

Marong rose above the twin challenges of brutal conditions and a success-starved opponent trying to end a 74-year flag drought to score a 36-point victory in the Loddon Valley grand final on Saturday.

The premiership-deciding venue, Mitiamo, lived up to its “Windy Flats” reputation with a strong, icy southerly blowing all day, but Marong handled the key moments and adapted to the conditions better to complete a flag hat-trick for the first time.

Marong’s masterclass became Pyramid Hill’s pain as the elusive search for its first flag since 1950 drags on for another 12 months at least.

Marong coach Linton Jacobs, who has been in charge of all three flag wins, said his team had been “written off” following a second semi-final loss to Pyramid Hill a fortnight ago.

“We regrouped and decided we would play our way,” he said.

“We potentially focused too much on the opposition in that first final.

“But their effort today was huge.

“Our contest and pressure really set the tone.”

Marong defended brilliantly against the wind in the first term and 20 minutes elapsed before Pyramid Hill kicked the opening goal.

Its forward entries found a recurring stumbling block in Matt Riordan, who played the “plus one” defender role brilliantly for Marong.

“It was a matter of sitting back there and plugging that hole,” Riordan said.

“We were lucky enough to plug it in the first and do the same in the third and knew we had it at our backs in the last.”

Marong’s Ryan Wellington is swamped by teammates after kicking one of his two goals in the grand final at Mitiamo. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Pyramid Hill’s first goal was answered quickly by Marong’s Ryan Wellington, who joined the club this year after previously playing for grand final host, Mitiamo.

Tom Brennan, who had been off the ground early with a knee injury, kicked a late goal for Pyramid Hill from a free kick, but its modest score with the wind advantage left it vulnerable.

Tensions spilt over at quarter time with Wellington confronted by a spectator and punches thrown before order was restored.

The second term was even more costly for Pyramid Hill.

Zach Alford was yellow-carded for striking Marong’s Michael Bradbury and the resultant 50m penalty took Bradbury to the goal line where he made no mistake.

Three more goals from Kain Robins, courtesy of another 50m penalty, Lachlan Lee and Noah McCaig, and the latest Marong premiership was sealed.

Marong led by 20 points with Pyramid Hill unable to make any inroads in the third term before the victors piled on some late pain with three more goals in the final quarter.

Marong is the Loddon Valley league premier for a third season in a row. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Pyramid Hill coach Nathan Fitzpatrick said the defeat was a “pretty bitter pill to swallow”.

“They did a lot better than us in terms of their connection inside 50,” he said.

“The harsh reality is we had a 15-20 minute period with one less player on the ground and they kicked four goals.”

A shining light for Pyramid Hill was defender Tom McGregor, who defied the tough conditions to drag in a succession of strong marks before being swung forward in the final quarter in a last roll of the dice bid to spark something.

Wellington became the only multiple goalkicker when he converted a set shot late and skipper Nathan Devanny sealed the deal just before the final siren.

“I feel that I am a barometer sometimes,” Wellington said.

“You’ve got to give and take it so it’s all good.

“I’ve played at (Mitiamo) for five years so I’m used to (the wind), but the other boys aren’t.

“It was a tough day at the office and we got the job done.”

Marong onballer Jimmy Gadsden was presented with the best-on-ground medal.

Marong won its last two flags with the services of star forward Brandyn Grenfell.

Pyramid Hill’s Tom Brennan tackles a Marong opponent. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

But in his absence, the load was successfully spread between Robins, Ryley Taylor and Wellington, who booted a combined 163 goals for the season.

“We spread the load with talls and smalls,” Jacobs said.

“We’ve had plenty of avenues to goal and just had to get the ball in there.”

Jacobs has coached Marong since 2021, but next season will switch to Heathcote District league club Colbinabbin where he played in its last flag in 2008.

Marong had not won a premiership since 1989 before the three-peat kicked into gear in 2022.

“The key has been keeping everyone together and creating a culture and place you want to play,” he said.

“When I got here four years ago Marong had not had much success.

“We’ve lifted some standards and the players have bought into everything we’ve done.”

Marong has publicly stated future plans to join the Bendigo league.

Jacobs reserved special praise for Lachie Frankel, who pulled out of the flag-winning team on the morning of the match due to flu.

“He wasn’t sure he would get through a full game,” Jacobs said.

“He’s a two-time premiership player and homegrown bloke.

“It was unbelievably selfless and its just shows someone was prepared to put the team first.”

Frankel’s spot was taken by Sam Dean, who had not played since round 13 due to injury.

MATCH DETAILS

MARONG 1.2 5.5 5.8 8.13 (61)

PYRAMID HILL 2.2 2.3 3.6 3.7 (25)

Goals: MARONG: R. Wellington 2, K. Robins, L. Lee, N. Devanny, M. Bradbury, N. McCaig. PYRAMID HILL: Z. Alford, G. James, T. Brennan.

Best: MARONG: J. Gadsden, M. Riordan, J. Davis, L. Lee, N. Devanny, M. Bradbury, R. Wellington. PYRAMID HILL: T. McGregor, L. Sidebottom, D. Hemphill, Z. Dingwall, G. James, D. Morison

OTHER GRAND FINAL RESULTS

Central Highlands: Daylesford 7.8 (50) def Bungaree 3.5 (23) at Northern Oval, Ballarat

Ellinbank District: Buln Buln 8.6 (54) def Ellinbank 2.10 (22) at Yarragon

Geelong District: Thomson 14.5 (89) def Belmont 4.11 (35) at St Albans

Horsham District: Harrow-Balmoral 7.10 (52) def Noradjuha-Quantong 5.9 (39) at Stawell

Kyabram District: Murchison-Toolamba 13.13 (91) def Shepparton East 6.8 (44) at Mooroopna

Maryborough-Castlemaine: Natte Bealiba 22.10 (130) def Trentham 7.9 (51) at Maryborough

Mid Gippsland: Fish Creek 7.4 (46) def Yinnar 6.8 (44) at Meeniyan

Mininera District: Penshurst 8.5 (53) def Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 7.6 (48) at Tatyoon

North Central: Sea Lake-Nandaly 7.5 (47) def Birchip-Watchem 4.10 (34) at Donald

North Gippsland: Woodside 9.8 (62) def TTU 5.17 (47) at Churchill

2024 - O&KFNL Senior Football Premiers: Greta FNC. pic.twitter.com/gyxxzanf8i

— Greta FNC (@gretafnc) September 14, 2024

Ovens & King: Greta 16.12 (108) def Bright 6.4 (40) at Wangaratta

Tallangatta District: Yackandandah 10.11 (71) def Chiltern 7.5 (47) at Sandy Creek

Sunraysia: Imperials 6.11 (47) def Wentworth 6.8 (44) at Mildura

West Gippsland: Nar Nar Goon 14.3 (87) def Phillip Island 10.3 (63) at Garfield