Wahgunyah, the country footy team that became famous for losing, has finally won a game.
The proud club from a small Victorian community on the banks of the Murray River made national headlines for its almost math-defying losses.
But a renewed focus on its community core has reinvigorated the club and on Saturday, the Wahgunyah Lions Seniors recorded their first win in more than 1,000 days.
A post on the club’s Facebook simply read: “We did it!”
Down by a point at three-quarter time to Dederang Mt Beauty, the Lions mounted a stirring comeback for a thrilling nine-point victory, sparking wild celebrations and tears at the final siren.
“It was just mayhem on the ground, it was fantastic” president Daryl Hore said.
A central figure in the club’s fight for survival, Hore couldn’t bear to watch the drama unfolding, and instead was found pacing in the car park during the final quarter.
Even on hearing the roar of his community confirming the win, he hung back and took a moment to reflect.
“It’s just a feeling we haven’t had in a long time,” he said.
Proud moment for community
The win marks a significant moment for the Wahgunyah Lions, whose very existence has been threatened in recent years.
A painful 432-1 loss to Beechworth in 2022 gained national attention, and years of big losses and a failed merger attempt left some questioning whether the club could survive.
When the ABC visited Wahgunyah this month on the eve of the season, there was a palpable sense of community and a celebration of the people that make the club special.
An all-abilities team had been started to boost inclusivity at the club, while a new “barbecue test” had put a greater focus on the character of people recruited to the football team.
A banner had been erected over the ground that read: “It’s not over when you lose, it’s over when you quit.”
Were there some extenuating circumstances in the win? Perhaps.
Dederang Mt Beauty themselves had suffered significant losses in the first two rounds.
Wahgunyah were also able to call on no less than former AFL star and number two draft pick Harley Bennell.
The Gold Coast, Fremantle and Melbourne player had previously represented Wahgunyah in a one-off game and kept in touch with the club, offering support and encouragement as the seniors endured two years of 200+ point losses.
He starred on Saturday with six goals, but it was off the field where the club president was most impressed with Bennell.
“He hung around the rooms, went from table to table having chats with supporters and kids and juniors. He’s been fantastic with everyone,” Hore said.
For Bennell, who has experienced the highs and lows of professional football, it was a profound experience.
“It was one of the most special moments I’ve had in footy,” Bennell said.
“Seeing old blokes in tears and the joy of everyone in the room, it’s what it’s all about.”
The win coincided with a 2004 Wahgunyah premiership reunion and was cheered on raucously by past players who had travelled hundreds of kilometres to the match.
Several spine-tingling renditions of the club song, scarcely heard of late but not forgotten, were belted out in the change rooms.
The party, by all accounts, continued deep into the night.
“It just means so much to them to prove that we can fight,” Hore said.
“We can win a game. And we think the club will survive.”