The Saints put a difficult week to one side for a couple of hours at McPherson Oval, and produced a big performance to be the first team to beat Marrar this year and take top spot on the ladder. 

That was almost immaterial though, as members of the Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong football club surrounded the entrance to North Wagga’s dressing room in solidarity, the father of injured teammate Josh Hanlon joined the Saints on the ground, and opponents Marrar had worn green armbands as a sign of hope. 

“It’s probably been the most important day of football that I’ve been involved in,” a clearly moved Kirk Hamblin said after the game.

“Just great to have the support of the Ganmain footy club. It’s such a strong club and the way Sparks (Shane Lenon) has led Marrar, he’s been accommodating and kept reinforcing that he’s here for us if we need anything.

“And obviously I couldn’t be prouder of the way our club has handled this week.”

The Lions were there in numbers, swelling a good crowd on a cold afternoon in support of the Saints, the Hanlons, and ‘Chook’ who played with them last year. 

And Andrew Hanlon addressed a victorious home side on full-time.

“Well, so far in my life, he’s the strongest bloke I’ve ever met,” Hamblin said. “He told us that Chooka is responsive and he told him we’re up by 35 in the last quarter and he gave him the thumbs up.”

It was a win to be proud of as North Wagga started strongly, withstood plenty of pressure in the second quarter and then kept the Bombers scoreless for a quarter-and-a-half on the way to win 13.12 (90) to 7.1 (43). 

“I didn’t know what to expect today. Our preparation has been different obviously so I’m just super proud of how everyone was able to switch on for four quarters of football,” Hamblin said. 

It was an even first quarter until Daniel Jordan kicked three goals in six minutes late to put the Saints up by 20 points. 

Marrar, despite Clint Taylor joining their injury list before the game, challenged in the second quarter but struggled going forward with John Hoey’s absence notable. 

A Jason Reid goal after the siren put them within eight points but that was to be their last scoring shot until 14 minutes into the last term, as the Saints outplayed the reigning premiers, with high pressure, too much run and too many contributors.

Ned Mortimer was superb across half-back, where Luke Walsh also had a big game. Cayden Winter was everywhere early and Jake May and Corey Watt continued their good form, with Watt’s snapped second goal over his shoulder a highlight.

Jordan finished with five goals, adding only one after quarter-time, with Adam Whyte doing a good job to contain the threat.

Fittingly, Hamblin kicked the last of the game to complete the 47-point victory. 

For Marrar, Mitch Taylor worked hard throughout while with Jesse Margosis tried to get them going, and Rhys Mooney caught the eye. But it was a fair way from their finest effort.

“We weren’t good enough on the day. We were outplayed and it’s a credit to North Wagga especially with what they’ve been through this week,” Lenon said. 

“It puts things into perspective and they played with good spirit and good character. 

“We wore green armbands, green’s a sign of hope, and I talked to Kirky about it and we were happy to support them. 

“They’ve had a tough week and obviously Josh and his family are in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.” 

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