PDL | Tungamah, Waaia get set for blockbuster grand final

By Daniel Webb

Sep 7, 2022

Grand final day is finally here.

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After two years with no premiership decider, Tungamah and Waaia are set to do battle in Saturday afternoon’s Picola District Football League decider at Katunga.

Ending the season at the top of the table level on 60 points, both teams have made their premiership credentials clear throughout the year.

While the Bombers picked up the win when the two sides met in round 16, Saturday’s match-up is a whole different ball game.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Waaia coach Mark Meyland said there was an “amazing feeling” among the group at training.

“We haven’t had it like it all year to be honest,” Meyland said.

“You could just tell the excitement between the guys, it is pretty special for them at the moment I think.

“We obviously know the job’s not done but there’s a really good feeling around at the moment and it’s just a great way to kick off the week for us.”

The Bombers will be looking to break a 17-year premiership drought on the weekend, while Meyland — a legend of the club — will be hoping he can end his time as senior coach on a high.

“I’m as hungry as I’ve ever been to be a part of a premiership,” he said.

“I think over the past 10 years we’ve been bridesmaids four times and that’s probably a fair driving force, although not all the guys were there for all those losses I have been and it’s not something I want to experience again.

“In my opinion we’re in the best condition to play in a grand final we have been in all that time.”

Quality side: Waaia's Jayden Clarke is one of a number of talents in the Bombers’ lineup. Photo by Daniel Webb

Featuring the likes of Ash Holland, Charlie Burrows and Jesse Trower, Meyland believes his squad is just as good as Tungamah, with Waaia going in to previous grand finals as underdogs.

While the Bombers are overflowing with talent, the Bears are too, with Ash Saunders, Terrance Jones and Damon Symes all among a quality playing group.

Speaking after his side’s preliminary final win over Katunga, Tungamah coach Xavier Stevenson said he knew the job was not over.

“We’re super excited to be able to really try and go all the way and make sure that we do Tungamah proud,” Stevenson said.

Saturday afternoon’s contest is sure to be an arm wrestle and with both sides full of talent, the premiership is there for the taking.

Play in the Picola District League’s senior football grand final will begin at the Katunga Recreation Reserve at 2.15pm.