Jerilderie’s final home and away clash of the season ended in disappointment, with Tocumwal proving too strong and running out 24 point winners.

Meanwhile the Tocumwal Bloods sent their loyal supporters home smiling on Saturday afternoon, producing one of their most complete performances of the year to defeat the Jerilderie Demons 11.10 (76) to 7.10 (52) in the final game of the home and away season.

Facing a Jerilderie side already booked for finals, the Bloods came out determined to show they could mix it with the competition’s best.

From the first bounce, Tocumwal’s attack on the ball and willingness to run for each other set the tone.

The opening term was an arm-wrestle, with both sides trading goals, but it was in the second quarter that the Bloods began to break the game open, using quick ball movement and fierce tackling to unsettle the Demons.

Both sides were locked at 14 points apiece after the first term, but Tocumwal surged in the second quarter with five unanswered goals to take a commanding 26 point lead into the main break.

By half-time, the home crowd could sense something special brewing.

The third quarter saw the Bloods hold their nerve as Jerilderie pushed hard.

Jerilderie fought back hard in the third, reducing the margin to just 12 points, but couldn’t capitalise on opportunities in the last quarter as Tocumwal steadied to claim the win and a composed final term from them saw them seal a well-deserved 24-point victory.

For Tocumwal up forward, Flynn Tonks was again a dangerous target, finishing with three goals.

Jack Tyndall and Brayden Hall added two each, while singles from Logan White, Ricky Gittens, Corey Parish and Sam Hatty ensured a well-spread scoreboard.

Coach Daniel Kirchen was full of praise for his players after the match.

“That was as close to four quarters of consistent footy as we’ve played all year,” he said.

“Jerilderie are a quality side with finals footy ahead of them, so to match their intensity and then outwork them in the big moments says a lot about where we’re heading.

“If a couple of results had gone our way earlier in the season, I have no doubt we would be in the finals mix right now.

“This group has what it takes — it is just about building belief and consistency.”

The midfield engine room, led by Ricky Gittens and Lachlan Hall, was relentless around stoppages.

Tyndall provided not only goals but valuable clearance work, while Judd Barnes stood tall in defence, repelling countless forward entries.

Charles Locke’s clean hands and Achong Agog’s athleticism added extra spark in the contest.

Weekly awards went to Will O’Connell (Farmers Arms) for his uncompromising attack on the ball, Logan White (Rivergarden Chinese) for his work rate and goal, and Jake Hicks (IGA Voucher) for his defensive discipline.

“Today was about pride in the jumper,” the Tocumwal coach added.

“We wanted to show our supporters that their faith is well-placed.

“We have the talent, the culture, and now the hunger to be playing in September next year.”

With the curtain drawn on 2025, Tocumwal can now turn their attention to pre-season, buoyed by the knowledge that their best footy can trouble anyone in the league.

And after Saturday’s statement win, few in the competition will underestimate the Bloods in 2026.

For Jerilderie, Ollie Knight was outstanding in defence, intercepting and rebounding superbly all afternoon.

Max Bruton was the link man through the middle, connecting the midfield to the deep forwards with precision.

Riley Heywood was everywhere, gathering possessions across all parts of the ground and keeping the Dees in the contest.

The Jerilderie goals were shared around, with S. Harrington slotting two, and singles to E Lawton, R Heywood, T Flack, F Pinnuck and B Neessen.

While the result wasn’t what Jerilderie had hoped for heading into finals, there’s still plenty to build on.

The Dees will be looking to rebound strongly in the knockout final against the Deniliquin Rovers at Strathmerton on Saturday.

Final score: Tocumwal 11.10 (76) def Jerilderie 7.10 (52).

Reserves

Jerilderie came up against an evenly matched Tocumwal side, making it a tough, close and low scoring game.

The Dees held a one to two goal lead for most of the game until the last quarter when Tocumwal were pushing hard, holding the ball in their forward line for most of the term and putting the Jerilderie defence under huge pressure.

To the team’s credit they held off Tocumwal to win by one point.

Tex Flack and Evan Lawton were unstoppable all game while Brad Norton played his best game yet and Cameron Arnold was solid in the backline.

Throughout the season the reserves had a battle for numbers some weeks but all the players enjoyed the season and are thanked by the club for putting on the jumper each week.

It was a tough way to finish the season for the Toc Reserves, falling just one point short in a low-scoring battle.

Despite working hard all day, inaccuracy in front of goal proved the difference.

Final score: Tocumwal 2.9 (21) def by Jerilderie 3.4 (22).

Tocumwal’s best players: D. Maxwell, J. Findlay, J. Colston, L. Colston, D. Eddy.

Thirds

No game.

Fourths

The Jerilderie fourths took to the field against Tocumwal on Saturday, determined to give it their all to keep the season alive.

The start to the first quarter wasn’t ideal, and Toc made the most of it by slotting the opening two goals early.

But to the Dees’ credit, they dug deep, tightened up their play, and turned it into a real contest for the rest of the term.

With a late goal they headed into the first break with a few positives to build on.

The second and third quarters were a real arm wrestle, with plenty of contested footy between the arcs.

Tocumwal added two goals in each quarter, while the Dees could only manage one per term.

Still, Jerilderie were making a lot of the play during the middle stages, and it was great to see the consistent effort across the board.

Heading into the final term four goals down, some risks had to be taken and go all-out in attack to try and claw back into the match.

Unfortunately, that opened the door for Tocumwal to take advantage, and they piled on five unanswered goals in the final quarter.

While the Jerilderie juniors came off the ground disappointed with the result, they had every reason to hold their heads high.

Every player gave it their all, representing the club and their families with pride.

The Tocumwal fourths wrapped up the home-and-away season in style with a dominant win, showcasing their teamwork and determination.

The victory cements third place on the ladder for the team and plenty of momentum heading into finals.

Final score: Tocumwal 11.7 (73) def Jerilderie 3.2 (20).

Tocumwal’s best players: H Wilson, O East, L Grieves, A Chellew, J Harrison, B Koopman.

Tocumwal goals: J Harrison 3, C Wilson 3, H Wilson 2, J Watson 2, B Koopman.

Tocumwal awards: A Matters, J Harrison, B Koopman, L Bell, L Petersen, L Grieves.

Southern Riverina News Google News Panels

Wednesday, 22nd October 2025

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