BREAKING: The Griffith Swans have ended their nearly two-decade title drought, defeating the previously unbeaten Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes (MCUE) in a nail-biting grand final. The match, held in Narrandera on July 15, 2023, concluded with a score of 62-59, marking a triumphant moment for the Swans after two consecutive losses to the Goannas in previous finals.
This victory not only secures Griffith’s first A-grade title since 2006 but also halts MCUE’s quest for a sixth consecutive championship. Coach Joh Munro expressed overwhelming joy, stating, “It’s amazing. We’ve just worked so hard for the last few seasons… everything just came together right at the right time.”
The thrilling contest saw Griffith take a narrow lead early on, but MCUE responded with an impressive comeback, briefly leading 18-15 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Swans rallied, scoring nine of the last thirteen goals in the second quarter to enter halftime ahead 32-29. The intense back-and-forth continued, with the Goannas briefly taking control before Griffith surged ahead again.
With just five minutes remaining and the scores tied, Griffith capitalized on a critical error from MCUE. Buckley’s rebound after a rare miss provided the Swans with a vital two-goal lead, which they maintained to secure the championship. Munro praised her team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to manage pressure and execute their game plan effectively.
The victory was bolstered by new players Ava Pritchett and Kristen Nunan, along with the continued growth of star shooter Brooke Buckley, who was named best on ground. Munro attributed the win to the team’s maturity and improved decision-making under pressure, stating, “We’ve had another year playing together… the girls are a bit more mature and able to make some good decisions under pressure.”
As Griffith celebrates this momentous achievement, the team looks forward to building on their success in future seasons. This grand final victory not only highlights the Swans’ dedication but also adds a remarkable chapter to their storied history.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
