Nathalia Football Club wins record number of Murray Football League flags
Nathalia has set a record in the Murray Football League, becoming the first club in the league’s history to win five consecutive premierships.
NATHALIA has set a record in the Murray Football League, becoming the first club in the league’s history to win five consecutive premierships.
The Purples surpassed their own record of four straight flags between 2005-08, a record jointly held with Deniliquin Rams, which won in 2001-04.
Eight players — coach Mal Barnes (who stepped into the role mid-season), captain Tom Nihill, former coach Jason Limbrick, Harley Cobbledick, Liam Evans, Alistair Corry, Alex Hicks and Brodie Ross — have played in all five flags.
And Barnes said all the players in Saturday’s team went to school in Nathalia, and all but five played juniors with the club.
“It doesn’t (get old), it’s still fun,” said Barnes, who played alongside his brothers Drew and Ricky.
The record-breaking team took part in its now-traditional parade through Nathalia on Monday.
“It is just amazing, it is so special for the community because that’s what it’s all about, really — the community and our supporters and the kids,” said Limbrick, who has now won nine premierships with the club.
The team also visited the local nursing home and hospital to celebrate with those unable to attend the match, including Limbrick’s grandfather, George.
“It was probably the first one he’s missed,” Limbrick said. “Pop’s a lifetime Nathalia footballer and supporter and just adores the boys and club. No one was more proud than him (on Monday).”
While the weekend’s country football grand finals produced some thrilling finishes to leagues’ seasons, including four senior games that were decided by a goal or less, several clubs continued to assert their dominance.
Koroit, which last year became the first club in Hampden league history to win five in a row, extended its premiership winning streak to six, albeit in a game which was decided by just three points.
In the Bendigo Football League Strathfieldsaye won its fourth premiership in six seasons, a feat also achieved by Nagambie in the Kyabram District league.
And Kyabram Bombers on Sunday won their third premiership from four years, capping off a flawless season.
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