Wagga Tigers will celebrate one of their most famous premiership victories when they take on arch-rival Turvey Park at Robertson Oval on Saturday.
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Tigers will celebrate the 1998 premiership with a 20-year reunion this weekend.
The 1998 grand final was one for the ages when Tigers came from behind to defeat Turvey Park by four points at Robertson Oval.
It was a memorable grand final for many reasons. A remarkably long last quarter, where Tigers hit the front with only two minutes remaining.
It capped off an undefeated season by Tigers, under Terry Daniher. It was the club’s fifth Riverina League flag in six years in Daniher’s last year at Robertson Oval.
Steven Priest won the Ron Hutchins Medal for best-on-ground in the 1998 grand final after amassing 30 possessions and kicking three goals, including the match-winner.
Priest remembers the premiership for the tough battle it was.
“It’s a long time ago now but it does stick in the memory somewhat,” Priest said.
“All (premierships) are pretty good and even just to get to a grand final is good but this one was memorable just because it was such a hard game.
“It could have gone either way and that’s what makes it more memorable. It was a real battle for four quarters of footy.”
Daniher will return to Robertson Oval on Saturday for the reunion, via a stop off at the family farm at Ungarie. It is expected that 15 of the 21 premiership players, plus support staff are returning for the event.
“It will be good, there are a lot of guys I haven’t seen for a while,” Priest said.
“Tez always makes it back for every reunion we have, which is pretty amazing. He’s busy in Melbourne with his business, as well as having sportsman’s nights around the country so we’re lucky to have him here.”
Priest won eight premierships at Tigers in career that spanned more than 360 games. Ever the clubman, he is still involved today as coach of the under 17s and often does the running for first grade.
He gives the current-day Tigers group a chance of an upset against Turvey Park as Shaun Campbell’s men look to record their second win of the year.
“Any side is a chance of any given day,” Priest said.
“They’re up against it somewhat but they’ve got 18 players, Tigers have 18 players so it’s up to whatever side works the hardest, as a team, will take the win out.”
The reunion weekend will begin with a catch up at The Union Hotel at 5pm on Friday, before continuing on game day on Saturday.
A number of Tigers’ premiership teams will also regroup on the day.
