Sunraysia: Imperials go from wooden spooners to premiers in one season

A coach who set high standards, ‘Tippa’, targeted recruiting and now a player points chop. The inside story on Imperials amazing season.

Imperials’ Brad Vallance has made a strong claim for country footy’s best coaching performance in 2024 with the wooden spoon to premiership revival in the space of only 12 months sealed in the Sunraysia league grand final on Saturday.

The former Ouyen United premiership captain sat out last season with a knee injury when Imperials went winless.

But in a stunning turnaround, Imperials rebounded to finish top of the ladder and win the grand final by three points over Wentworth.

“We wanted someone from outside the club, who could come in with a fresh set of eyes who was really strong and demanding on training and commitment,” Imperials president Dale Stafford said.

“Brad was the one we set our sights on.

“Fortunately he accepted our offer of a three-year contract and he’s delivered in every way, shape and form from day dot.”

Imperials Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti competes with three Wentworth opponents in the grand final. Picture: Noel Fisher

Recruiting Essendon player Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, who kicked two goals in the grand final, was a pivotal moment in the Imperials’ turnaround.

But recruiting was well underway before he arrived.

Queenslanders Aaron Laskey and Ryley Buntain signed in August last year and former Imperials players were also in the club’s sights.

McLeod Medal winner Bryce Hards played with the club in 2021 and agreed to return.

Ben Galbraith and Matt Mazzini were playing in Melbourne and South Australia respectively and agreed to return.

Key defender Reegan Scott returned after missing all last season with a knee injury as did Vallance, who ended up playing most games, at the age of 36.

“Things have to fall your way to win a premiership,“ Stafford said.

“You need your key personnel out on the park and we were able to do that for the bulk of the year.

“Our goal at the end of Brad’s tenure was to be playing off in a grand final.

“But our group has been so galvanised, they put their heads down and did the work and the ultimate came early.”

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti celebrates Imperials win against Wentworth in the grand final last Saturday. Picture: Noel Fisher

Imperials played with 45 points this season following a region-wide switch to a tiered points structure enabling the club to accommodate big point players McDonald-Tipungwuti (six), Vallance (five) and Harrison Knights (five), who didn’t play in the grand final.

But the downside of the earlier than expected flag will be taking a big hit on points.

“We will go to 36 next year,” he said.

“But we didn’t have juniors pre-Covid so we will be requesting an additional two points.

“It’s the most fairest platform there is and we support the tiered points structure for sure.”