Roo’s claim Grand Final replay in season opener

By Rob Popplestone

THERE was an air of expectation as we started to close in on round one of the Grand Final replay of 2023, Fish Creek as Premiers, but devastated by an off-season fire that destroyed much of the club’s history, up against a Newborough side that was empathetic to the Kangaroo’s trauma, but nonetheless wanting desperately to claim a first up victory. 

Strong home ground support and the unfurling of their 2023 Premiership flag, had Fish Creek in the right frame of mind to start season 24 as they had left 23, as winners.

However, it was never going to be a cruisy day at the office against a hungry Bulldogs side.

Fish Creek had to call on their big game experience to snatch a two-point victory 9-10-64 to Newborough 9-8-62.

“Day started off great for the Fish Creek community with the flag unfurling, and the game didn’t disappoint,” Jarrad Walker, Fish Creek coach said.

“A bit scrappy at times but hardly fought out by both teams. Relieved to get over the line in the end, Newborough will of course be within the top few teams for season so happy to pinch that one in the end. With the bye next week we will rest some sore bodies, get a good training block in and then get ready to get stuck into the season.”

The Kangaroos are deservingly seen as the early season premiership favourites, but the weekend’s clash indicates this season may in fact be tougher than the last, that is good news for the league, but it is also a clear indication that every match every week is crucial.

“We played the competition’s best and in a physical contest fell short again,” Craig Skinner, Newborough coach stated.

“We competed harder and for longer this time. We played three seventeen-year-olds and they are going to be good. We play Yinnar next and know it will be tough so there will be no rest recovering and preparing as we search for our first win.”

The Bulldogs will dust themselves off and turn their attention to the Magpies, a match that is destined to be every bit as competitive as that of Fish Creek and that appears to be the nature of the competition.

In season 2023, there were as many as ten teams competing for a finals’ position just weeks before the end of the home and away season, 2024 is likely to provide the same exciting finish, and here we are just at the start!