The year 2022 will go down as one of the most memorable in the history of the Goulburn Valley. The first full year of uninterrupted sport since the COVID-19 pandemic ― the past 12 months has had top-level international sporting events on our doorstep, our beloved exports dominate the professional scene as well as a number of thrilling contests across district competitions. So we at The News sports desk thought we would take the opportunity to cast our mind back and pick out our top 10 moments from the past year.
10. Shepparton boy Josh Rachele dazzles with five goals in AFL debut
Everybody that followed the junior sporting career of Shepparton boy Josh Rachele ― whether it was football or soccer ― knew he was destined for the big time.
So when it was announced he would be making his AFL debut in Adelaide’s round one clash against Fremantle there was a sense of excitement among the Shepparton community to see what the 18-year-old could do.
But nobody was prepared for what transpired on that warm March afternoon at Adelaide Oval, as the Shepparton Swans export booted a remarkable five goals in what was arguably one of the most memorable debuts in the Crows’ history.
Showcasing his entire array of skills, Rachele did it all as he nailed long-range set shots with the confidence of a 200-game player and showed his class with a pair of neat snaps from the boundary.
It was the third term that really stood out, however, as he proved the catalyst for the Crows’ stunning comeback with two incredible goals, one of which he celebrated with the delirious Adelaide faithful in the front row.
When he put through his fifth midway through the final term it appeared the Crows were home as the margin exceeded three goals.
But an incredible final flurry from the Dockers cruelly took away the fairytale ending, as the Crows fell by a solitary point.
However, this performance proved the platform for an exciting debut season, that yielded 17 goals and a Rising Star nomination.
9. Shepparton Gators produce memorable Big V Division One finals run
It was almost a fairytale season for Shepparton Gators.
The Big V Division One men’s basketball side made it to the grand final and despite falling to Bellarine Storm when it mattered — it provided plenty of excitement along the way.
With a mix of bona fide star power in the form of imports Garrett Jefferson and Dylan Wilkie and club legends like Matt Bartlett and Sam Beks producing an entertaining game style, the Gators captured the town’s attention in the way few teams can and inspired a new generation of basketballers along the way.
Ending the regular season in third spot, Josh Waight’s side defeated RMIT in a do-or-die elimination final showdown before sweeping second-seed Keysborough in a memorable semi-final series to win its way through to the grand final.
Selling out Shepparton Sports Stadium for the decider after a tight loss on the road in game one, the Gators unfortunately suffered an eight-point loss in game two which ended their season.
But despite the eventual loss the squad well and truly put the sport back on the map in the region and set up an exciting future for basketball in the district.
8. The toast of Tatura: Tristan Zito delivers Ibises BASL glory
It was the stuff of legend.
In September, Tatura’s Tristain Zito wrote his name into the history books, scoring a 120th-minute goal to send the Central Victorian League One Men’s Super Cup final to penalties.
The Ibises coach had his side running smoothly throughout the season, eventually setting up a showdown with Shepparton South for the title.
Hosted in Bendigo, Zito kept himself on the bench for much of the contest, before he took the game into his own hands.
Trailing 2-1 in the dying seconds of extra time Zito proved to be the difference.
Controlling the ball on the right wing Zito composed himself before striking the ball into the back of the net with the last kick of the 120 minutes.
Sending the crowd into raptures Zito’s side would then down its old rival on penalties to lift the silverware, with the goal-scorer going into the history books not only as a title-winning coach — but a hero.
7. Tallygaroopna takes down Shepparton Golf dynasty in epic Allan Matheson Shield grand final
Shepparton Golf’s six-year reign of Allan Matheson Shield dominance finally came to an end in 2022 ‒ and it was a team from little old Tallygaroopna that dealt the memorable final blow.
The Redlegs, who had never won a division one title, came into the grand final at Shepparton Park Bowls Club a firm underdog against a Golf side that had their measure across all three of their meetings throughout the 2021-22 season.
But grand final day is a different beast and, with a vocal band of supporters behind them, Tally produced their best bowls of the year to topple the Golf juggernaut 90-72 .
Highlighted by the heroics of Mitch Sidebottom, who fought back from a 13-5 deficit in rink four to engineer the Tallygaroopna charge, the day was a celebration of great things for Tallygaroopna and signified a change in the dynamic of Goulburn Valley bowls.
While the Redlegs team was filled with great storylines, there was no man more deserving of this triumph than top selector Mark Ryan who was filled with pride post game.
“They (Golf) are a quality outfit and nobody is going to repeat that record, it is pretty crazy to think any team could do that (win in six in a row),” Ryan said post game.
“We are just elated to have won one, our very first Allan Matheson Shield at Tallygaroopna and I am just so proud of everyone at the club.”
6. Goulburn Valley League claims second straight state association netball championships title
Goulburn Valley League successfully defended its 2019 Netball Victoria Association Championships Open title in July.
Proving once again the league is the top dog when it comes to netball, the side overcame a host of adversities to hoist the crown.
Missing a number of talents due to Victorian Netball League commitments and Dayna Williams withdrawing late, the league managed to pull together to pick up the win.
Falling to interleague rival Ovens and Murray in the side’s opening game, the Di Hanslow-coached team turned things around, downing Outer East, Murray, Western Region, Sandringham District and the highly-fancied Bendigo to make the semi-final.
It was here where it would face off with O and M once again, with the GV side flipping the script to pick up the victory.
Facing Bendigo in the final, the GVL secured an 18-14 win when it mattered, repeating the achievement of the 2019 side in taking out the title.
Look out for part two of The News’ top sporting moments tomorrow as we reveal our top five.