Gallery | Lancaster prevails in the wet to clinch memorable KDL premiership

Last year it was a world-wide pandemic that halted the Wombats’ unbeaten charge to glory and on grand final day on Saturday, a torrential rain event threatened to stop the boys in blue and gold.

But instead of denying Tom Davies and his charges, it must be said the rain undoubtedly helped deliver the Wombats their first premiership in more than a decade.

When Davies got boot to ball a millisecond before the quarter-time siren and the kick rolled through the big sticks, nobody on the ground or watching on, would realise how important that goal would become in the scheme of things.

It gave Lancaster a crucial early lead before the big wet set in.

The after-the-siren major sent Lancaster eight points ahead of the Grasshoppers and as the rain continued to get heavier, the sky became darker and the grass turned to mud, that last-second goal played a huge role in the eventual 6.10 (46) to 5.6 (36) score.

“When the siren went it was more relief than anything,” Davies said.

“It was a long afternoon; conditions weren’t favourable, but we just found a way to get the ball forward and found a way to score.

“It probably didn’t suit the way we wanted to play, but it suited our heart and the belief we had within the group that we could do it in any condition.

“Ultimately we did enough early to hold on to a lead that was a premiership lead in the end.”

The Lancaster playing coach said it had been a long time coming for his playing group.

A preliminary final appearance in 2019 was followed by a cancelled 2020 season and a 2021 campaign that saw the Wombats lead the competition.

“That’s obviously where the relief comes from. It’s not just been this year ... last year we were competitive and it got cut short,” Davies said.

“I couldn’t envisage what would happen today even though I dreamt it. The belief that we had was sensational. It’s pretty special, especially to have both seniors and reserves win, it’s massive for the club.

“Everyone played their role, I know it’s that old cliche, but we had 21 contributors today.”

The Wombats’ Sam Vick kicked the first goal of the match inside the opening minutes with a class snap on his left boot.

Another goal came minutes later and Lancaster looked to have settled first.

It’s midfield got on top and big man Nick Ryan, who put in an eye-catching performance, led the charge.

Ryan starred with his ruck craft, clearance work, intercept ability and one classy goal.

Cameron Simpson seemed to be everywhere and the Lancaster on-baller would go on to win the best-on-ground medal.

Jake Mills looked lively in attack, while defender Phil Carroll was pivotal in defence.

Just as the rain began, Aidan Lloyd converted a set-shot and Murchison-Toolamba was finally on the board.

Leigh Wellington slotted the next and it looked like the Grasshoppers had gained all the momentum.

But Davies’ 50m bomb came next and it gave Lancaster a dream lead at the first break.

During the quarter-time break, the flood lights at Mooroopna flicked on and the red ball was swapped out for a yellow one.

Coby O’Neill slotted the first of the second term, however, Wellington responded straight away and the margin was trimmed back to single digits.

Lancaster entered the main break with a handy 5.8 (38) to 3.5 (23) buffer, a lead that felt like another three or four goals in those trying conditions.

The ball lived in Lancaster’s forward half in the third term and no goal was kicked until late in time on.

After a bruising and inspiring run-down tackle from Josh Wild, Murchison-Toolamba found an extra gear and it culminated in gun midfielder Jayedo Hexter converting a set-shot that breathed life into the Grasshoppers’ charge.

The siren blew for three-quarter time and again, the margin was 10 points in favour of Lancaster.

The Grasshoppers’ coach Nick Iorianni, in his final match at the helm, urged on his players to commit to the contest because there “was no tomorrow” on their season.

Unfortunately for Iorianni and the Hoppers, the Wombats’ Zac Cerrone capped a strong individual performance, and the final dagger of the match, with a classic goal off the deck in the goal-square.

However, the captivating contest and scenes of jubilation were marred following the final siren.

An all-in brawl, which featured players and spectators, soured the incredible match and put a dampener on the atmosphere.