Jerilderie produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Tocumwal on Saturday, after regrouping at the main break and returning to the brand of football that has served them well all season.

Tocumwal Football Club celebrated one of the club’s proudest eras on the day as players, supporters, sponsors and past champions gathered to commemorate the club's memorable 1991 senior and under-17s premierships.

Combined with the club's annual Sponsors’ Day, the occasion brought many familiar faces back to the Tocumwal Recreation Reserve, creating a fantastic atmosphere and a fitting celebration of the club's rich history.

While the result did not fall Tocumwal's way, the Bloods produced a spirited performance before eventually going down to Jerilderie by 13 points in a contest that remained fiercely competitive throughout the afternoon.

Adding to the special occasion before the opening bounce was the senior debut of local junior Archie Chellew.

In a proud family moment, Archie was presented with his senior jumper by his father Kenny, who offered some heartfelt and sound advice before his son took to the field.

Archie became the latest young Blood to progress through the club ranks and showed plenty of promise in his first senior appearance, giving supporters every reason to be excited about his future.

When the game got under way, Tocumwal matched the occasion with an energetic and disciplined display.

The Bloods worked hard around the contest, moved the ball well and took their opportunities in front of goal.

Their efforts were rewarded on the scoreboard as they gradually built momentum and established a handy five-goal lead by half-time.

With the home crowd sensing a memorable victory, Tocumwal appeared to have the game under control; however, full credit must go to Jerilderie, who emerged from the break with renewed energy and determination.

After a sluggish opening half, the Demons reconnected at half time and came out with renewed purpose, lifting their intensity around the contest and moving the ball with far greater speed and intent.

Brad Aylett was tireless all day in the midfield, leading from the front with his work rate and attack on the footy.

A crucial move late in the game saw Tom Sleigh channel his inner Leo Barry, producing a match-saving aerial contest in the dying minutes to preserve the lead.

Another key switch came when Kane Hawkins moved from the forward line to defence.

His influence was immediate, helping transform Jerilderie’s rebound from defensive 50 and providing plenty of drive and composure behind the ball.

Sam Sleigh was shifted from defence into attack after half-time and made the most of his opportunities, finishing with four second-half goals to provide a major spark in the comeback.

The side also welcomed back Bohdi Beasley from injury, and it looked as though he had never missed a game. He attacked every contest with his trademark physicality and gave the side a huge boost.

The visitors dominated the crucial third quarter, holding Tocumwal scoreless while piling on four goals of their own.

The momentum shift changed the complexion of the game, with Jerilderie finding greater control around stoppages and capitalising on their opportunities going forward.

Despite the setback, Tocumwal refused to surrender.

The Bloods continued to battle hard throughout the final term and remained within striking distance for much of the quarter.

Adam Kent was outstanding throughout the afternoon and was well-supported by Reid Crowe, Brayden Hall, Ricky Gittens, Sam Hatty and Logan White, all of whom played important roles in keeping Tocumwal in the contest.

However, Jerilderie's experience and composure in key moments allowed them to maintain their advantage and eventually ran out 13-point winners.

Final score: Tocumwal 12.10 (82) def by Jerilderie 14.11 (95).

Toc goals: Logan White 2, Sam Decicco 2, Liam Sutton 2, Brayden Hall 2, Hayden Davis 1, Max O'Neil 1, Ricky Gittens 1, Clay Howe 1.

Toc best: Adam Kent, Reid Crowe, Brayden Hall, Ricky Gittens, Sam Hatty, Logan White.

Toc awards: Archie Chellew, Hayden Davis and Sam Decicco.

Reserves

The Tocumwal reserves returned to the winners’ list with a strong four-quarter performance, taking control of the contest and getting the reward for their effort.

The Demons were up to the task from the first bounce, showing a strong willingness to hunt the football all day and working tirelessly for one another across the ground.

Their tackling pressure and hunger around the contest was a stand-out, with Jerilderie consistently applying heat to the Bloods.

While the final scoreboard favoured Tocumwal, it did not accurately reflect the intensity and effort displayed by the Demons.

Jerilderie remained competitive throughout the match, never taking a backward step and continuing to fight hard until the end.

Final score: Tocumwal 12.6 (78) def Jerilderie 2.3 (15).

Toc goals: Caleb Johnson 4, Rory Shepherd 2, Luke White 2, Kane Wardlaw 2, Heath Mansell 1, Will O’Connell 1.

Toc best: Kane Wardlaw, Hunter Groutsch, Cody Palmer, Connor Crowley, Jay Buckley, Caleb Johnson.

Toc awards: Kane Wardlaw, Jay Buckley, Hunter Groutsch.

Thirds

Jerilderie entered the clash with Tocumwal severely undermanned, with only four top-age players available.

Tocumwal started strongly, kicking the opening few goals to take a handy lead at quarter time.

Setting the tone early and maintaining their intensity for four quarters, they moved the ball well, shared the load in front of goal and were rewarded with a strong percentage-boosting win.

Despite being outnumbered, Jerilderie’s young leaders stood tall.

Logan Eldridge and Evan Lawton worked tirelessly through the midfield, leading by example with their relentless effort around the contest, while Blake Davison battled hard in the ruck all day. Down back, Cooper Gurciullo fought bravely at full back.

Several Jerilderie under-14s players stepped up to lend a hand and showed some exciting passages of play.

Final score: Tocumwal 32.11 (203) def Jerilderie 2.5 (17).

Toc goals: Chace Brunskill 10, Harrison Wilson 6, Heath Mansell 5, Pheonix Valente 2, Connor Fits 2, Archie Chellew 2, Archer Kirchen 1, Cale Murphy 1, Josh Herezo 1, Cooper Quick 1, Sean Lykissas 1.

Jerilderie best: Logan Eldridge, Evan Lawton, Blake Davidson, Cooper Gurciullo, Tony Gurciullo, Koa Billing.

Toc best: Chace Brunskill, Archer Kirchen, Harrison Wilson, Archie Chellew, Pheonix Valente, Cale Murphy.

Toc awards: Chace Brunskill, Archer Kirchen, Harrison Wilson, Sean Lykissas, Josh Herezo.

Fourths

It wasn’t the prettiest game of footy, with Jerilderie applying good pressure and making it a congested contest for much of the day.

Credit to the Toc boys for staying patient, sticking to the task and grinding out a solid win.

For Jerilderie, Dom Gurciullo worked tirelessly through the midfield all day, while Tyson Hercus was outstanding in defence, repeatedly stopping attacks under pressure.

Kye Anderson laid a strong tackle on the wing early, Jackson Haas-Laing jumped strongly all game and never gave up.

Tony Gurciullo produced a great run through the middle, while Charlotte Haas-Laing attacked the contest strongly and competed hard all game.

Final score: Tocumwal 12.18 (90) def Jerilderie 0.0 (0).

Toc goals: Lucas Grieves 3, Lewis Petersen 3, Brax Brunskill, Joel Harrison, Jack Petersen, Ollie East, Sam Borg, Charlie Wilson.

Toc best: Ollie East, Lucas Grieves, Lewis Petersen, Brax Brunskill, Sam Borg, Charlie Wilson.

Toc awards: Ollie East, Lewis Petersen, Lucas Grieves, Sam Borg, Ben Walsh.

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Monday, 23rd April 2029

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