Quambatook: Captain and league best and fairest Ricky Wild joins Lake Boga

Quambatook’s final season ended without the “fairytale” finish everyone hoped for. See where its players are playing next year.

Quambatook footballers have started to disperse to surrounding teams following the club’s decision to call time on its 111-year existence.

Its final season ended without the much-hoped “fairytale” finish of a premiership when defeated in the Golden Rivers league preliminary final by Moulamein.

Club captain Ricky Wild, who won the league best and fairest in Quambatook’s final season, is among those who have found a new home.

He will play for Lake Boga in the Central Murray league in a move that will significantly lessen travel time from his Swan Hill base for training and matches.

Quambatook players Tobie Cameron, bottom, and Ricky Wild, laying the tackle, will play for rival clubs in the Central Murray next year. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

He said it was “extremely disappointing” for the season to end the way it did.

“A few things just didn’t go our way,” he said.

“It would have been nice to make (the grand final) and have a shot at a fairytale type finish.”

He said he was looking forward to the rivalry and banter of playing against his former teammates in the Central Murray next year.

Tobie Cameron, who pipped Wild for the club’s best and fairest and was judged best-on-ground in its final home match, and Ash Davis will also play in the Central Murray for reigning premiers Kerang.

Will Collicoat is bound for another Central Murray club, Woorineen, and ruckman Mick Bradbury is going to play for Loddon Valley premiers Marong.

Due to a long-running battle to attract players, Quambatook relied heavily on a big contingent of “travellers” beyond a 100km radius of town.

Gregor Knight, left, in Quambatook’s final home match this year against Macorna. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Gregor Knight, a Quambatook local who played the majority of his career with the club, said he was yet to commit to playing somewhere else next year with a delayed harvest his short-term priority.

“It would be nice if everyone stuck together, but it doesn’t work like that,” he said.

Knight was also shattered about the preliminary final exit.

“It left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth because we thought we were good enough to make the (grand final),” he said.

“But that last home game was a real highlight, people will have memories of that for a long time.

“It was pretty special.”

Quambatook's final presentation day held in September. Picture: Supplied

He said Quambatook had been relatively unscathed compared to other towns from recent floods.

“The crops have just started ripening even though it’s been so wet,” he said.

“But there is no hot weather to give them that kick.

“(Harvest) will definitely be delayed and there will be quality issues as well.”

Kellie Burmeister played her whole netball career for Quambatook. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Kellie Burmeister, who played her entire netball career at Quambatook, said the club’s demise would leave a big hole in the town.

“It’s going to be really hard for everyone,” she said.

AFL Central Victoria regional manager Craig Armstead confirmed Quambatook players were transferring to other clubs with the same player points they would have if Quambatook was continuing next year.