The crown jewel of the Murray Football Netball League fixture is returning to Moama, with the league announcing the Magpies as host of the first grand finals in three years.
The 2022 football and netball grand finals will head to Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 17, marking the first deciders at the venue since 2016.
Moama last hosted three grand finals from 2014-16, with the most recent being held at Rumbalara (2017 and 2018) and Finley in 2019 — the last grand final held.
“Moama is one of the fastest growing communities with excellent sporting infrastructure, which would make the perfect host for a large-scale sporting event,” MFNL operations manager Dale Norman said.
“The Murray FNL has endured enormous financial hardship of the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to COVID; maximising grand final revenue is a priority.
“We want the supporters to go to our showcase event and have an enjoyable time. Moama FNC president Matt Lake and his committee have a proven track record when hosting large events such as the highly successful Good Friday fixture.”
Thousands are tipped to descend on Moama Reserve for the grand final, and Lake said the club was thrilled to welcome the final game of the season.
“It’s going to be a great community event,” Lake said.
“If the weather’s right and with the nice facilities here, I reckon they could have record numbers for the Murray league grand finals — that’s what we all want.
“The last two seasons without any finals series, the league’s done it tough and they really had to make a financial decision.
“We’re right behind Dale and the league executive and we’re here to make sure it’s a really good event.
“It’s also great news for all our valued sponsors who receive further exposure to our great community.”
The O’Dwyer Medal count is also set to take place in the area, with Moama Bowling Club locked in as the hosts of the leagues’ best-and-fairest awards on Sunday, September 11.
MBC sales and marketing manager George Santos said holding the grand final in Moama would have a flow-on effect for the economy.
“It’s not only to back local sport, but also to bring people into the community that weren’t here before,” Santos said.
“It’s nice to have been approached by the league to have this opportunity in our own area.
“Everyone in town benefits; retail benefits, accommodation, restaurants and certainly the club itself will have a great day.
“Especially during the colder months, it can be hard to attract people to the area so an event like this will bring plenty of football and netball followers to the area.”
Murray River Council representative Rebecca Hayward echoed the sentiments of Santos.
“We’re really keen to see the event happen in Moama and see the benefits it will bring to the community,” Hayward said.
“Also showcasing this as a venue is something we’re pretty excited to see, and we’re hoping it will have a flow on effect to help attract similarly sized events to this facility.”
Nathalia currently stands as the five-time reigning premier in the football, while Echuca United is the reigning A-grade premier.
The full finals fixture and venues are set to be announced this Sunday, July 24.
MFNL finals start on Saturday, August 27.