A 40-year premiership drought will be extended for at least another twelve months, with the Junee Diesels falling to the Southcity Bulls 22-18 at Laurie Daley Oval on Saturday.
Returning to finals football for the first time since 2018, the Diesels looked well placed to make this season one of their most successful after finishing the regular season in third place.
But back-to-back losses during the finals series have ended Junee’s hopes of an elusive title – one that has eluded them since 1986, when a 16-year-old Daley was a part of the winning side.
A superb try to Daniel Foley opened the Diesels’ account for the afternoon, before Cody Hodge snatched a high kick to cross for the Bulls and close the gap.
When Stu Dunbar managed to find a passage through the Bulls’ defence, it gave the Diesels a 12-4 lead, which they held until after the half-time break.
Tries to Kyle McCarthy and Matt Lyons saw Southcity skip ahead of the home side, before a contentious one-on-one strip allowed Nathan Rose to extend the Bulls’ lead.
Running out of time, the Diesels pegged six points back through a converted try to Ryan Crowder, setting up a fascinating finish to the match.
Although throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the Bulls’ defence, the Diesels failed to cross for one more scoring play and were left to rue what might have been.
Diesels coach Damian Willis said luck wasn’t with his side during Saturday’s elimination final.
“The game was tough, we didn’t get the rub of the green at all and a lot went wrong for us. We tried so hard but just couldn’t get into the game.”
When pressed for his thoughts on the season as a whole, Willis was undeniably proud.
“I am so proud of the players and the year we had. We set out to play finals footy and we managed to achieve that,” Willis said.
“It’s just disappointing to go out in straight sets, but that’s footy. We also debuted a few guys and unearthed some talent, so overall it was a hugely successful season for the club.”
The Diesels are yet to finalise their coaching setup for 2027, while no re-signings have been made. But with the performances this season of players such as Chase Bernard, Conner Garrety and Stu Dunbar, the club will no doubt be looking to secure their signatures and solidify its playing roster ahead of next season’s premiership assault.
Junee’s sole hope of a title now rests with the club’s women’s tackle side, who will play the Southcity Bulls at Harris Park on Sunday, with the winner progressing to face Wagga Brothers in the September 20 grand final.
Diesels fall to Brothers but earn another shot at grand final
The Junee Diesels’ push for a maiden Group 9 grand final appearance remains alive despite an 18-6 loss to Wagga Brothers at Nixon Park on Sunday.
With the major semi-final offering the winner a direct passage into the season decider, the Diesels were unable to overcome a determined Brothers outfit, but will now have another opportunity to keep their premiership hopes alive.
Junee found themselves trailing heading towards half-time, before a well-worked play gave the Diesels something to celebrate heading into the sheds.
Annabelle Willis’ kick created the opportunity for Kate Foley, who crossed for Junee’s only try of the afternoon to ensure the margin remained within reach at the break.
However, Brothers were able to maintain their advantage after half-time and eventually secure an 18-6 victory, earning themselves a place in the grand final.
For the Diesels, their season is not over just yet.
Junee will now face Southcity in the preliminary final, with the winner earning the right to meet Brothers in the Group 9 grand final.
The Diesels will enter the clash with plenty of confidence after defeating Southcity just one week earlier, meaning they will need to produce another strong performance against familiar opposition if they are to keep their premiership dream alive.
With their season now coming down to one final opportunity, Junee will be looking to put Sunday’s disappointment behind them and secure their place in the biggest game of the year.
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