It was three-quarter time on the opening day of the season and Minyip-Murtoa was reeling, eight points down against the Horsham Saints.
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The Burras were chasing shadows all day, with the Saints not relinquishing the lead at all up to that point.
Fast-forward six months and the Burras are preparing to play in a Wimmera Football League grand final.
Undefeated.
Minyip-Murtoa coach John Delahunty said a sense of excitement was building in the towns.
"It's fantastic to see. There are some really passionate supporters. We probably didn't see it that much last year, but the couple of grand finals before we had that buzz and it's great that they get around it," he said.
"There's been messages wishing us well throughout the week and it's great.
"The motto of the club in recent years has been 'small club doing big things' and that's definitely been the case."
Burras coach John Delahunty speaks on the eve of the grand final
Players in focus
The opposition
It was the heartbreak for the Southern Mallee Giants last season, falling short at the final hurdle against Horsham.
Head to head
2019
Round 4: Minyip-Murtoa 11.8 (74) def Southern Mallee Giants 9.9 (63)
Round 13: Minyip-Murtoa 8.19 (67) def Southern Mallee Giants 10.6 (66)
Semi-final: Minyip-Murtoa 12.10 (82) def Southern Mallee Giants 8.7 (55)
2018
Round 2: Minyip-Murtoa 13.7 (85) def Southern Mallee Giants 10.10 (70)
Round 11: Minyip-Murtoa 6.5 (41) def by Southern Mallee Giants 12.10 (82)
Minyip-Murtoa's history
In 1994 Minyip and Murtoa faced off in an elimination final. Less than a year later they took to the field united.
Premiership history
Minyip-Murtoa: 3 - 1996, 1997, 1998
Minyip: 7 - 1934 (Mid Wimmera Football League), 1952, 1954, 1984, 1991, 1992, 1993 (Wimmera Football League)
Murtoa: 2 - 1932 (Dunmunkle Football League), 1980
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