Upper Murray: Cudgewa plays Bullioh in second semi-final

The Upper Murray will be the first country footy flag decided this season, with the first spot in the grand final open the taking on Saturday.

Cudgewa or Bullioh will be the first team to book a grand final berth in 2024 when they meet in the Upper Murray second semi-final at Cudgewa on Saturday.

The four-team Upper Murray league has taken the mantle from neighbouring high country competition, the Omeo District league, to be the first grand final played in the state after its finals series began last Saturday with the first semi-final won by Tumbarumba.

Cudgewa cruised to a 95-point win against Bullioh in last year’s grand final to cap off an undefeated season.

But the gap between the two clubs has narrowed with three of their four encounters this season decided by five, two and seven points and the other by 34.

“In one of those games we were up by five goals at three quarter time, but let it slip,” Bullioh coach Clint Brunnenmeyer said.

“We went to sleep a bit and got ahead of ourselves, but I know we can match it with them.”

Cudgewa easily beat Bullioh in the Upper Murray grand final last year. Picture: Wendy Lavis

Brunnenmeyer is in his first season as Bullioh coach after previously playing with Howlong in the Hume league, Lavington in the Ovens & Murray league and clubs interstate.

Bullioh bolstered its list with former Wodonga player Joel Heiner, Mitta United quartet Joe Bolton, Jye Hodgkin, Jack Wilson and Jordan Peters and former Culcairn player Marcus Roberts.

“Everyone will be available for the first time this year,” Brunnenmeyer said.

“We were going to finish second no matter what so anyone with a niggle had a game or two off to make sure they were right.”

Cudgewa added four-time Tallangatta District league best and fairest Cameon McNeill to its ranks this season and former Kiewa-Sandy Creek forward Guy Telford returned to the field after not playing last year.

Meanwhile, the Omeo District and Picola District leagues start their finals series on Saturday.