Wangaratta Rovers beat Myrtleford to reach grand final
Wangaratta Rovers defeated Myrtleford 76-48 in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League preliminary final to advance to the grand final.
Wangaratta Rovers stormed to the grand final with a commanding 28-point win over Myrtleford on Sunday at Albury Sportsground. The Hawks led from start to finish, posting 11.10 (76) to the Saints' 6.12 (48) in front of 3,283 fans, the biggest preliminary final crowd since 2015.
Myrtleford cut the margin to 14 points twice in the second half but could not bridge the gap. Coach Sam Murray praised his midfield for taking control early and said key players returning from injury boosted the win.
Will Christie, who had carried a sore knee through earlier finals, proved his fitness. Mitch Hardie dominated the midfield and set up important goals.
Myrtleford's coach Craig Millar said the four-goal buffer at half-time proved too much. Rovers are now favoured to chase a third straight premiership and will meet their greatest rival in the grand final.
- 76-48
- Final score
- 28 points
- Winning margin
- 3,283
- Attendance
- Since 2015
- Largest preliminary crowd
Why it mattersA regional league grand final win matters deeply to the club and its supporters, and Rovers' path to a third premiership hangs on the next match.
AustraliaFor regional Victoria, Wangaratta's run for three straight premierships is a major story in the Ovens and Murray community.
