Sport
11 August, 2026
Bombers crowned 2026 premiers and champions
Last Sunday, the Bombers capped off a great season when they defeated a spirited and determined Mounties by 39 points in the ADJFA grand final. This sees them go through the season undefeated, which is a great achievement.
The main difference between the two teams was that, in a low-scoring game, the Bombers found ways to kick goals, whilst the Mounties failed to hit the scoreboard. In general play, it was a very even game.
A large crowd of parents and supporters braved the cold, wet and windy conditions, with the area covered by the veranda and car parks around the oval taken.
The game was set up in the first quarter when the Bombers kicked two early goals to the road end of the ground against the strong breeze. Oliver McDougall kicked the first goal after taking a strong mark, and then Peter Smith followed with a nice snap.
Mounties' Hunter Newberry and Brax Cameron were giving them plenty of drive forward, but many attacks were repelled by Bomber Rowly Tucker with excellent marks in the difficult conditions. Oscar McDougall was winning the loose ball in defence, and Drake Gray used his strength to advantage, moving the ball forward. At quarter-time, the Mounties had only kicked one behind and had the job in front of them.
As the Bombers did in the first quarter, the Mounties played their best football against the wind. Sam Murnane was doing an excellent job across the half-back line and was well supported by Alana Matulick and Kye Rimmell.
As a result, the Bombers only managed one goal for the quarter when Tom King kicked one on the run from a long way out. At the main break, the Mounties were still a chance but needed a big third quarter with the wind to ensure an exciting finish.
The Mounties had plenty of play in the third quarter but were a little unlucky when three shots on goal narrowly missed and resulted in behinds. With the wind picking up, it was going to be very difficult for them to come from 22 points down in the last quarter.
To their credit, they did not give up trying in the last quarter, as in the second semi-final two weeks earlier, and fought the game out to the end.
Midway through the quarter, Bomber Hughie Cameron, in his fiftieth game, kicked a goal, and then Oliver McDougall, after a handful of behinds, kicked one of his trademark long goals. The siren sounded shortly thereafter to end a high-standard game, which was played in good spirits, and end another successful and enjoyable season in the ADJFA.
Bomber Rowly Tucker was best on ground, playing a great game at centre half-back and in the ruck. With Richardson Medal winner Archie Harris confined to a forward pocket after suffering a leg injury (later found to be a fracture) the day before against Nhill, Hughie Cameron did the bulk of the roving, picking up many possessions.
On-baller Peter Smith played another good game. Oliver McDougall kicked two vital goals and could easily have had a few more. Drake Gray adapted to the wet conditions and played his best game for the club.
For the Mounties, Sam Murnane was their best, playing across half-back and on the tall Bombers forwards. Hunter Newberry in the centre won plenty of the hard balls. Alana Matulick defended well, and Brax Cameron and Zaiden McIntosh had good games.
Due to the weather, the presentations were moved indoors to the function rooms. Outgoing executive member Mel Peel presented runner-up medals to the Mounties, and the Bombers received their premiership medals.
Our umpires, Mick Jennings and Rhys Cronin, who did an excellent job, presented the Adrian Pieters VCFL medal for best on ground to Rowly Tucker.
Over the past five years, we have now seen the Rovers win two premierships, Mounties one and now Bombers two. Maybe we may see the Warriors right up there next year.
After the game, I was approached by several parents asking about football directions their kids could take now that they were too old for the under-13s. With about 25 players leaving our competition, not everybody can play with Ararat under-14s.
They are concerned about the step up to the Mininera under-17 league, given the big age difference. In my opinion, an under-15 or under-16 league is badly needed and something the Mininera league should think about; otherwise, a lot of these kids will be lost to football.
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