Saturday, 6 September 2025
First Elimination Semifinal

With a topsy-turvy season that saw games washed out, snowed out, disrupted by university holiday restrictions, and six straight weeks on the road due to ground upgrades—along with just two wins in the minor round—the New England Nomads still managed to claim fourth spot on the ladder and earn a place in the elimination finals. Which the Nomads won.

NE Nomads – 15.11.101 def Tamworth Kangaroos – 8.18.66

Best Players: John-Paul Canavan, Charlie Keiller, Cotter Litchfield, Gus Russell, Marshall Rattray, Aidan Barry, James Walters.

Once again on the road, backs against the wall, and with the belief that the Nomads are built for finals footy, the team dug deep to produce an outstanding win in conditions that felt well over 30℃. Missing our fearless leader Hunter Greene and our reliable fullback Jack Tapper, it was stand-in captain Jimmy Walters who led the way, kicking four crucial goals. In the midfield, our ever-dependable ruckman Gus Russell gave our engine room the edge, supported by a strong rotation of Charlie, JP, Modra, Cotter, Bobby, Eli, and Simon.

Special credit goes to Marshall for shutting down the opposition’s best player with a superb tagging effort, and to Lachie for keeping one of their most dangerous forwards goalless. Our backline, as always, stood tall—thanks Donovan and Aidan for your consistency. JP got us off to a flying start with three early goals, while Choco returned to the field after a long absence and played as if he’d never left.

Finally, a special mention to Reilly Widdup in his farewell game before heading home to Victoria. Reilly finished with two goals, including a stunning shot from outside the boundary line. Thank you, Reilly—you’ve been our silent assassin all year.

Next up: the Tamworth Swans, this time in Gunnedah. On the road again, with nothing to lose and three big inclusions returning to the side, the Nomads are hungry for a third straight win and a shot at the grand final. With belief running high and the footy gods on our side, we know we can win every game from here.
Nomads on three! 1, 2, 3!
Thanks,
Coach Ash

Coach’s award: Marshall Ratray
Players’ Player: Charlie
Captain’s award: Cotter Litchfield
President’s Award: JP Canavan
Meehan’s Plumbing Award: Aidan Barry

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