As the Kyabram District League preliminary final appeared to be slipping away from Rushworth, the underdog unleashed a stunning comeback against the seasoned Girgarre side, desperate to defend its title.

Down by seven goals early in the fourth quarter at Central Park Recreation Reserve, the Tigers, who have gone from winless last season to the penultimate clash of 2025, staged a major comeback on the back of some stellar front-court work from Montana Mylon and Janelle Doolan.

The Tigers roared back to tie the game at 38 apiece in the waning stages of the final, with the faithful of both clubs in full voice.

But Girgarre has been here before.

The Roos, led by ice-cool goal shooter Jacqui Gahan and centre Holly Nelson, made a series of key intercepts in defence before firing off three goals to ice the game and end Rushworth’s season.

“There is no tomorrow unless we want there to be here tomorrow,” Girgarre coach Abbey Butler said.

“The girls showed that; they dug deep, played with their heart and soul and got the job done.

“I’m so very proud of all the girls.”

The Roos dictated the tempo of the game throughout the second and third quarter, the byproduct of an experienced team that has been in the finals cauldron before.

And when the heat was on in the last quarter, their hunger and determination paid dividends.

“It was quite tense when Rushy kept fighting and made a good comeback,” Butler said.

“But I think the determination in the young girls (and the fact) we've been there before, were hungry for it, and we know what that feeling has been like helped us.”

Sheree Starling’s side bows out after an admirable campaign where it won two sudden-death eliminations.

Girgarre now faces a shot at redemption against Shepparton East in the grand final at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, eager to overturn its 17-goal semi-final defeat to the Eagles.

“We know we've got a strong challenge,” Butler said.

“Shepparton East have been very consistent all year and definitely as a team to beat.

“We know that it's not going to be easy, but we know that if we play like we did yesterday, and we play as a team and stay composed, we definitely have it in us to get the job done.”

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Sunday, 1st February 2026

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