UPDATE: Holbrook’s dreams of a championship are dashed once again as they suffer a devastating third consecutive loss in the Hume League grand final, falling to Osborne 12.9 (81) to 7.14 (56) at Walbundrie Sportsground on July 15, 2023. This marks a bitter end to a season where they aimed to reclaim glory but instead faced heartbreak yet again.
Co-coach AB Mackinlay expressed his deep disappointment following the match, highlighting the emotional toll of losing to the Tigers for a fourth straight season. “It’s pretty hard to swallow,” Mackinlay said. “We had our chances, and it’s three in a row now.”
The game set the stage for a fierce showdown, but the Tigers stunned Holbrook early. Despite having the breeze at their backs, Osborne managed to kick 4.5 (29) in the first quarter, silencing the Brookers, who could only manage 1.3 (9) in response. “Their pressure was really good,” Mackinlay noted, acknowledging the Tigers’ ability to exploit their speed and tactical advantage.
With both teams registering 21 scoring shots during the match, the Brookers struggled with accuracy, a point of contention for Mackinlay. “I said during the week we had 22 scoring shots against them in the second semi, and we had 21 today,” he lamented. The inability to convert chances ultimately cost Holbrook dearly.
Osborne’s victory is especially significant as they now claim a hat-trick of titles, further solidifying their dominance in the league. The Brookers, who stunned the finals specialists in 2022, must now regroup and find a new strategy to end Osborne’s reign. As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on Holbrook as they seek to break this streak and reclaim their position at the top.
As the dust settles on this season, fans are left wondering what changes the Brookers will implement to turn the tide in 2026. The pressure is on for Holbrook to rise from the ashes and pose a serious challenge to Osborne’s title run.
