Ovens & Murray: North Albury rise from wooden spooner to finalist complete

North Albury is back in the finals after a torrid nine years in the lower rungs of the Ovens & Murray league. See who they will face on their return.

North Albury has made the stunning transformation from wooden spooner to finalist in the space of only two seasons in one of the state’s strongest leagues.

It won only one match in the Ovens and Murray in 2022, but last Saturday locked down its first finals appearance in nine years with a three-point win against Wodonga, which it will play in the elimination final on Sunday.

Former Collingwood player Tim Broomhead has spearheaded the revival since becoming coach last year with North Albury welcoming back captain George Godde from a shoulder injury he suffered in the round 14 win against Albury.

North Albury coach Tim Broomhead. Picture: Tim Petts (supplied)

It will regain Foster Gardiner for the elimination final after serving a four-match suspension from the Albury match for a bump on Tigers’ star Elliott Powell.

North Albury went into the final round in third spot, but slipped to fourth when Wangaratta thrashed a depleted Wodonga Raiders by 148 points to secure the double chance with a better percentage.

“We know our fate has been in our own hands and we’ve let a few slip,” Broomhead said.

“But it’s where we want to be back playing finals footy.

“We reset and go again.”

Jason Akermanis was coach of North Albury when it last played finals.

Albury missed finals for the first time since 2008 with a second loss to Myrtleford this season in the final round.

It ends one of the most dominant eras in country footy with Albury winning seven flags between 2009 and 2018.

Yarrawonga finished on top of the ladder with a final round win against second-placed Wangaratta Rovers.

Wangaratta Rovers and Wangaratta will meet in a finals match for the first time since 1989 when they play in the qualifying final on Saturday.