Sport
19 August, 2024
Maroons and Demons unite, Tigers star Wade Donnan claims Feeny Medal
Sea Lake-Nandaly's Wade Donnan secures the 2024 Feeny Medal.
Footy fans of a particular vintage will remember the infamous 1996 merger game between Melbourne and Hawthorn.
The tension and animosity that night was palpable as the two famous clubs prepared to vote on a merger that never eventuated.
The Nullawil and Wycheproof-Narraport's merge is happening.
And on Saturday, they faced off in a merger game of their own, but one with a much more positive vibe than that night at the MCG.
The Maroons headed into the game needing a win to maintain a chance of pulling the jumper on again in senior footy.
They held up their part of the bargain, beating the Demons 14.9 (93) to 13.6 (84).
But Wedderburn's ten-point victory over Donald closed the door on this chapter of the club's history.
But as one door closes, another opens, and even though it was two separate clubs duking it out on the field, there was a definite sense by the final siren that this is now one entity - Calder United.
"It was a different vibe but a very positive one," Maroons president Grant Kelly said.
"We had a massive grand final-like crowd, and a lot of people came back to the club, as did Wycheproof.
"The whole day was played in great spirits from the kids to netball, reserves and senior footy, which was a cracking game, might I add.
"As soon as the reserves entered the changerooms, we opened the sliding door separating the two teams so everyone could be together.
"Then our senior coach (Darryl Wilson), who'll lead the team next year, spoke to both sets of players out on the ground post-game.
"The working committee also unveiled the new colours and uniforms in the rooms afterwards, and everyone seemed to like them, so it was a great day."
DONNAN NCFL BEST AND FAIREST
Meanwhile, Sea Lake-Nandaly midfielder Wade Donnan is the 2024 Feeny Medallist.
The Tiger star finished Saturday night's vote count on 25, five ahead of Donald's Andrew Browne, who polled 20.
Donnan replicates his brother Trent, who shared the award last year with Birchip-Watchem's Nicholas Rippon.
He had come close twice before, finishing runner-up last year and in 2019.
Tigers coach Bryce Delmenico said there was nobody more deserving of the honour than the hard-working Donnan.
"We're super proud of Wade," Delmenico said.
"He moved to Toowoomba over summer for his partner's work, and while up there, he took his training to another level.
"Since he's been back, you can see him in the Sea Lake gym at 5.00am every morning before work, so it's no surprise his game has got even better.
"His cleanness around the footy is so impressive.
"He's incredibly composed in traffic and can hit the scoreboard frequently, as we saw on Saturday with him nailing four while having 35 to 40 possessions."
Donnan polled three votes in the Tigers final round 23.18 (156) to 1.2 (8) victory over Charlton.
With Birchip-Watchem having the bye, it means the Tigers claim their second consecutive minor premiership, finishing the regular season 14-2.
Delmenico said his side stuck to their plans during the 148-point victory.
"We focused on three basic aspects of our game, which we assessed at every break, and it was a tick for each quarter," he said.
"We got through with no injuries, which was nice considering how we've gone on that front this year."
Elsewhere, Wedderburn secured their spot in finals with a thrilling 9.14 (68) to 8.10 (58) victory at Donald.
The Redbacks had to win with the Maroons nipping at their heels.
The two sides will lock horns again next Saturday in the first semi-final at Birchip-Watchem.
In the one round 18 game that had zero finals ramifications, St Arnaud put up a strong fight, but poor kicking cost them a third win of the year against Boort.
The Saints led by eight points at the final change, but a four-goal to one final term saw the Magpies round out a 10.9 (69) to 7.16 (58) triumph.
2024 NCFL JJ FEENY MEDAL TOP FIVE:
1 - Wade Donnan - Sea Lake-Nandaly (25 votes)
2 - Andrew Browne - Donald (20 votes)
3 - Hamish Hosking - Birchip-Watchem (18 votes)
3 - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort (18 votes)
5 - Thomas Cox - Sea Lake-Nandaly (17 votes)