The lead comment on the Tracy Village Razorbacks AFL team Facebook page is “In case you need reminding ... we did it !”
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Yes they did, the Razorbacks won the Northern Territory Football League men’s division one grand final.
Among the premiership players are four Deniliquin locals - Josh Flight, Aiden Free, Jack Virtue and Matt Cameron - who have been working in the NT.
Jack is in the Australian Defence Force and lives in Canberra.
Matt is also in the ADF and lives in Darwin.
Aiden will be playing for the Deni Rams when he returns home this season, and Josh may play for Tocumwal before heading back to the NT in October.
In front of family and friends, the Razorbacks defeated Jabiru to claim the title at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday.
Natalie and Damon Free - parents of Aiden - and Josh’s mum Tamara Flight all made the trip from Deniliquin to the ground after a whirlwind, tumultuous trip.
“We were to fly out with Jetstar on Friday night” said Tamara.
“Twently minutes before our flight they cancelled on us, and we were told you’re on your own in regards to finding alternative travel.
“We were offered a refund that will come through in four weeks time, and then we took off to find another way.
“So you can picture, Nat, Damon and myself, let’s call it running, through the terminal and we ended up at the Qantas International desk.
“They were absolutely amazing and scheduled us on a flight, printed our tickets and then said ‘run’. I was like oh no not again,” she said laughing after the fact.
“So we bolted again. Nat ditched her shoes and we made it with six minutes to spare, and we were beyond spent.
“It cost us an extra $625 each, but it was worth it to see our boys.”
Nat said that they arrived around Saturday lunchtime and, upon arriving at their accommodation, were met with a surprise.
“Aiden had our Tracy Village shirts laid out for us so we were geared up and we were off to the game,” she said.
The Deni group said the atmosphere at the stadium was “amazing.”
“It was huge anticipation building up for the game,” Nat said.
“There was ACDC’s Hells Bells playing as the boys ran out and we were sitting with other families that had travelled to watch their boys.
“The music and cheering just added to an electric atmosphere.”
The first two quarters of the game were neck-and-neck, and then Tracy Village pulled away a little before Jabiru staged a comeback.
They kicked the last three goals of the third quarter to see Tracy Village only going into the break with a five point lead.
“At this time I needed a drink and Tamara did some pacing; it was nerve racking. We were on the edge of our seats,” Nat said.
Their nerves were soon a distant memory, as the boys pulled it together and had a great disciplined fourth quarter to win the game.
“It was so hot. I don’t know how they did it,” Nat said.
“I’m so proud of the team. It was 34 degrees with 86 per cent humidity, and we were sweltering in the stands in the shade.
“I think the turnaround came about from the boys keeping their heads.
“The opposition were extremely vocal and physical and to the boys credit they took it.
“There would have been three free kicks that didn’t go our way, but due to mouthing off and bad sportsmanship the decisions were overturned and our boys made the most of it.
“I thought it was hot in the stands, but when we ran onto the ground after the game I couldn’t believe what the boys played in.
“After minutes in the direct sun you were getting burnt through your clothes; it was absolutely stifling.”
The final score was Tracy Village 9.8 (62) to Jabiru 6.9 (45).
Ashley Ringin from Tracy Village took out the Bill Best on Ground Medal, named after the late Bill Gear.
Josh kicked five goals playing up forward.
Aiden played on the wing, Jack played in the midfield and Matt played down back.
“All the boys played amazingly,” Tamara said.
“Josh kicked five goals and little Aiden just goes and goes and goes.
“The club was so amazing. They were so welcoming and it was fantastic to be a part of.
“Everyone was giving high fives and hugs all round.
“Josh didn’t know I was coming, so when he saw me dancing in the stands, I’m not sure if he was surprised or horrified,” she said laughing.
“I’m so proud of them and we celebrated into the night in the clubrooms and at the social club, I’m sure the boys hit the town after that.”
Nat and Tamara both expressed their disappointment at the treatment of the AFL accredited umpire, who they believed did a wonderful and fair job.
“Due to the unruly behaviour of some crowd and players, she had five security guards escort her off the ground and even as far as her car,” Nat said in disgust.
“She was making calls from 50 metres away that other umpires were missing and doing an excellent job; it a shame to see what they go through,” she said.
After a brief time touring a few beautiful waterfalls and national park areas, it was back to the airport to head home for the parents.
Again they were met with a 2.5 hour delay, finally taking off at 2.40am Monday and landing at Melbourne Airport at 7.30am.