Murray: Tocumwal plays Numurkah in first game in MFNL since 2014

Tocumwal eventually got to be part of an AFL-affiliated competition this year, but it was far from easy.

Tocumwal will put a full stop on a turbulent off-season on Friday with its return match in the Murray league after a nine-year absence.

The club secured an 11th hour release from its home since 2014, the Picola and District league, in late February due to its determination to stay in an AFL-affiliated competition.

The PDFNL is the only unaffiliated league in the state after severing ties with AFL Goulburn-Murray late last year.

A lack of on-field success forced Tocumwal to drop out of the Murray league nearly a decade ago.

But it’s back in the higher standard competition and determined to rise to the challenge.

Tocumwal plays Numurkah in its season opener after having a bye in round one played at the weekend.

“It’s been a difficult journey, I won’t sugar-coat that,” Tocumwal president Matt Preston said.

“There was a lot of uncertainty that was difficult to deal with.

“But we’ve been made to feel very welcome back into the Murray league.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for us this year, but we’re confident this will be a league that is going to serve our club much better into the future.”

Tocumwal moved to the Picola and District league in 2014 from the Murray league where it has returned this year.

At one stage, Tocumwal was poised to be part of a breakaway competition involving seven other PDFNL clubs, but it fell over when three clubs baulked late.

The other seven clubs involved in the talks, Tungamah, Katandra, Picola United, Mathoura, Katunga, Jerilderie and Katamatite have stayed in the PDNFL.

Kade Rowe, who is entering his fourth season as Tocumwal coach, said the club’s return to the Murray league was “the best thing” even though it could struggle for wins.

“If it means we take a hit on the field so be it, but there will be a lot of weeks we will surprise teams,” he said.

“We’re not coming back to be pushed around, we want to win some games of footy.”

Tocumwal coach Kade Rowe. Picture: Supplied

The club’s two biggest signings are Andrew Dickins, a 200cm ruckman from the CSU Bush Pigs in the Farrer league and tall forward Josh Flight, who played at Moulamein last year.

Mr Preston said he was indebted to the Murray league administration for allowing it to play at home on Good Friday so soon after coming back.

“Good Friday football in Tocumwal has been a longstanding tradition,” he said.

“The Murray league honoured that because it’s very important for the town and community.”

Tocumwal also regularly hosted the Murray league grand final before its move to the PDFL.