Sport
Going out on top: Mulwala legend Sean Robinson hangs up the boots after premiership triumph
In a career that has spanned more than 280 senior games and produced more than 300 goals, Mulwala legend Sean Robinson is no stranger to a big moment in front of the sticks.
But in Saturday’s Murray Football League grand final, his last ever senior game, he delivered the most important of his illustrious journey, with his magical exploits turning a game in Mulwala’s favour one final time.
Early in the third quarter, the Lions found themselves 24 points down and on the canvas as torrential rain continued to pour on to Moama Recreation Reserve.
They were crying out for that all-important spark.
And as has been the case for much of the past two decades, Robinson found himself with ball in hand, this time tucked up against the boundary line with rain dripping down his face.
Given the opportunity to etch his name into MFL grand final folklore, he recalled the moment that ignited his team to premiership glory.
“The ball came through the middle of the ground and I managed to find a bit of space on the lead and take a mark up near the boundary line,” Robinson said.
“Although the rain was coming down, the ball wasn’t too heavy, so I thought I was a chance. I saw a bit of space, played on and just had a go.
“Lucky enough I hit it clean as a whistle and it sailed through, and to have the boys get around me it was a great moment.”
As they say, from that point on the rest was history as Mulwala ran over the top of Cobram and clinched its first premiership since 1990.
But for Robinson, this triumphant day almost didn’t happen.
One of the most revered players in the history of both the Mulwala Football Netball Club and Murray Football League, the forward made the decision over the off-season to hang up the boots.
However, after tracking the development of the list and receiving a call from coach Rohan Davies, Robinson said he was convinced to come back and have one last tilt at adding a premiership medallion to his long list of accolades.
“I sort of retired at the start of this year, but I knew we were getting a pretty good list together, so Rohan (Davies) rang me after the second practice match and said we needed a forward pocket and I thought I’d better give it one last crack,” he said.
“When I came back I didn’t think we’d get there, but we kept grinding it out over the season and to be in this position now (as premiers), it is unbelievable.”
He was the longest tenured Lion out on the field on Saturday afternoon and the final siren brought to an end a near 20-year wait for Robinson, as he ended his career with that prized premiership medallion around his neck.
“I am just lost for words. This is why we play footy. I’ve been playing for 280-odd games and hadn’t got there, but today’s the day and to share it with all these great Mulwala people, it is very special,” Robinson said of his emotions post-game.
“When the siren went, I didn’t know what was happening. It was surreal. It’s been a long time for me and to finally get one in the bag, it will take a long time to process.
“I couldn’t have scripted this finish to my career any better.”