Picola District: Waaia claims both flags since end of Covid

Waaia has won a 12th Picola District grand final with a big win over Strathmerton. Read all the details and see all the pictures here.

Waaia cemented itself as the benchmark of the Picola District league in the post-Covid era with a second successive grand final win on Saturday against Strathmerton by 46 points.

The near neighbours played off in the 2019 grand final with Strathmerton successful.

But Waaia has completed back-to-back flag wins against Tungamah and Strathmerton in the last two years to draw level with Picola United on 12 premierships.

The two teams went into the grand final with 14-1 win-loss records and Strathmerton victorious in their only encounter during the season.

Waaia players and supporters celebrate grand final win over Strathmerton. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

But the grand final was a one-sided affair from the moment Waaia settled midway through the first term to eventually win 13.11 (89) to 6.7 (43).

Strathmerton boom forward Tim Looby booted the first goal of the match before momentum swung Waaia’s way when Bill Brown, Charlie Burrows and Brayden Coates booted three goals in quick succession to establish a 12-point quarter-time lead.

Waaia’s Charlie Burrows and Strathmerton’s Aubrey Coote go hard in the marking contest.

Looby kicked the first goal of the second term to make the margin only six points before Waaia again responded.

Wayward kicking could have seen Waaia’s halftime lead of 28 points even bigger.

Strathmerton’s cause wasn’t helped when captain Adrian Crestani limped from the ground with a hamstring injury and didn’t return.

More injuries to Matt Ryan and ruckman Aubrey Coote in the second half didn’t help.

Waaia ruckman Ash Holland marks in front of Strathmerton’s Brock Palmer.

Waaia had the ascendancy in the air with No.1 ruckman Ash Holland playing superbly and his understudy Mark Bergamin booting a goal from a juggling mark in the second term.

The third quarter was a low-scoring, dour affair before the floodgates opened in the last term with Waaia kicking five goals to three to win comfortably.

Onballer Ash Thompson won the medal for best on ground.

But and one of the biggest roars from a massive crowd estimated at more than 5000 people was reserved for veteran Sam Richardson when he kicked a goal in the second term.

Waaia has completed back-to-back premierships in the Picola District league.

Waaia coach Mitch Cleeland co-coached alongside Mark Meyland last year before taking on the role by himself in 2023.

“We did a few things wrong the first time (Waaia played Strathmerton) and didn’t quite handle the pressure,” Cleeland said.

“We stripped our game plan right back after that.

“Thankfully it came off today.

“They are always a good side and we pride ourselves on being around that mark as well.”

Mitch’s father Mick famously kicked a booming long goal after the siren in the 1990 grand final to seal victory for Waaia over Blighty.

Burrows finished a productive season up forward for Waaia in kicking three goals in the grand final.

Waaia’s William Foster punches the ball clear of Strathmerton’s Darcy McCormack.

Looby finished with five of Strathmerton’s six goals to fall one short of a century of goals for the season.

The former Goulburn Valley and Victorian Country star had booted 88 goals in the home and away rounds and kicked three goals in two lead-up finals.

“They were good,” Strathmerton assistant coach Tim Bramich said.

“They brought an intensity that we didn’t.

“The second half was probably better, but credit to Waaia.

“They came with the right attitude and we were a bit off.”

Waaia pair Ky Johnston and Shaun Greenway tangle with Strathmerton’s Darcy McCormack.

Waaia’s Charlie Burrows soars over Strathmerton’s Riley Sampson.

Waaia’s Dylan Moncur celebrates on the final siren.

Waaia has won 12 Picola District league premierships.

Waaia’s Ash Holland and Strathmerton’s Darcy Robinson battle for a mark.

Waaia coach Mitch Cleeland and Strathmerton’s Jake Anderson compete hard for the ball.

Waaia’s Brayden Coates has his marking attempt spoiled.

Waaia’s Dylan Moncur and Strathmerton’s Lewis O'Sullivan compete in the air.

Waaia’s Ben Armstrong takes off with the ball.

Waaia players outnumber Strathmerton’s Darcy Robinson.

Strathmerton’s Darcy McCormack snaps at goals on his left foot.

Waaia’s Dylan Moncur is hotly pursued by Strathmerton’s Nicholas Hoban.

Waaia defeated Strathmerton in the Picola District grand final.