Speechless.
That was how Tungamah coach Xavier Stevenson felt after his side dug deep to pick up a dramatic extra time Picola District Football League qualifying final win over Katunga on Saturday.
Running out 13.20 (98) to 13.6 (86) winners at Katamatite, the contest could have gone either way, with extra time needed to separate the two teams.
Early on in the contest it was Katunga that was on top, with the side piling on seven goals to hold a 27-point lead at quarter-time, before an impressive second quarter fightback by the Bears had them trailing by two points at the main break.
In the third term the Swans once again kicked clear, with the Bears levelling things up in the fourth to send it to extra time.
Five minutes of added time were applied each way and Katunga failed to capitalise in the first period, with Tungamah kicking two goals in the second to run away with the win.
Stevenson said he was “ecstatic” to secure the victory.
“It was a genuine contest that could have gone either way,” Stevenson said.
“I just thought in the end our boys dug super deep and, whilst it wasn’t the prettiest of performances, I thought that in the end we were just fantastic with our effort.”
With the Bears already missing Stevenson due to a sore calf, a number of other injuries throughout the game meant the side had no bench towards the end of the match.
Yet as the win secures another week off for Tungamah, Stevenson hoped the break would give the injured players time to recover.
“We knew today was going to be a massive contest and that’s exactly what is was,” he said.
“For us, to kick-start our finals campaign it’s probably exactly the game we need.”
Matt O’Kane was named the Bears’ best for his work on the day, while fellow midfielders Terence Jones and Chris Powell also stood out and Ash Saunders provided a strong option up front.
For Katunga, the result was particularly heartbreaking after such a bright start.
While the side will get a second chance, coach Damian Kennedy said he was proud of the effort his boys put in.
“We had opportunities to win the game and couldn’t quite take them I suppose,” Kennedy said.
“The first and second quarters were contrasting for both sides’ momentum and then after that there was not much in it really.
“Now our group probably need to start believing.”
Josh Howden, Ed Hayne and Cameron Bishop stood out for the Swans, while a five-goal haul to Fergus Lappin continues his run of form for the season.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Waaia cruised to victory against Strathmerton at Blighty.
The Bombers soared from start to finish with the 13.15 (93) to 4.5 (29) win an early finals statement.
The result has Waaia join Tungamah with a week off, while Strathmerton and Katunga will be in action once again this weekend in the semi-finals.