Temora upset Northern Jets by five goals in stunning derby turnaround after mid-season thrashing

Two months after the Jets kicked 30 goals on them at Ariah Park, Temora treated the return game as their grand final and a massive 'premiership quarter' set them on track for a stunning 19.7 (121) to 13.14 (92) derby victory.

The Kangaroos, last on the ladder heading into the game, lifted themselves off the bottom by ending the Jets' hot streak and their neighbours' hopes of a top-three finish.

Five goals to none in the first quarter set the tone before the Jets got going in the second with six of their own. But when the challenge came, Temora didn't flinch, booting seven goals in the third to lead by 23-points heading into the last quarter, and then sealing the win with a 5.1 to 3.7 return.

"I'm proud of the boys' effort," Wooden said.

"Twelve games we went without a win so it's hard on the coach, it's hard on the players, it's hard on the club.

"When you don't have those wins, I suppose people think you're not working hard. But we've worked just as hard as anyone else. We probably just don't have the cattle around to execute like we have in previous years but we're putting in big efforts and applying a lot of pressure."

Jason Reid wound back the clock with five goals and youngster Joe Morton matched him while Will Reinhold booted three in another big game.

The young gun suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter but insisted he wanted to be out there for Chris Stacey's 250^th senior game for Temora and played a big hand in the win, although his involvement in the final two weeks is in some doubt.

It's Temora's third win in their last four games; their only loss in the last month was to Marrar, and they weren't too far off the ladder leaders that day either.

"We're a different team this second half of the year. We've got people back," Wooden said.

"I suppose the frustrating thing - and everyone can see it - is we missed that in the first half (of the year). You can sit here and go, 'what if' but the injuries piled up at the start and now we're finishing the season strongly.

"We probably knew we weren't going to make finals after going through round one without a win but since North Wagga (in round 11), we've treated every week as if it's our last.

"I've changed my coaching style a bit... taking a step back from diving into the games too much and just taking the positives."

Wooden said it was a fitting celebration for Stacey, who played strongly across half-back in a game in which Temora were led by their experienced players.

"'Rex' (Stacey) played a big part, especially the last three quarters - he read the ball well and intercepted a lot, drawing on his experience," he said.

"Rob Grant off half-back, Liam Pattison... our senior boys made a statement. A lot of them missed the game earlier in the year (against the Jets)

The Jets were without Mitch Haddrill and Chris Bell and lost forward Stephen Coate to an ankle injury. The crafty forward had already done some damage with three goals by that stage. They were led well by Sam and Jack Fisher.

The outcome ended the Jets' four-game winning streak but they remain safely in the five and bound for their first finals series since 2016.

Next week, they take on East Wagga-Kooringal (second) and then meet Coleambally (eighth) in the final round.

Full-time:

Temora 5.3, 7.5, 14.6, 19.7 (121)

Northern Jets 0.2, 6.6, 10.7, 13.14 (92)

Goals: (Temora) Jason Reid 5, Joseph Morton 5, William Reinhold 3, Brad Moye 2, Robert Krause 2, William Hughes 1, Nathan Stimson 1; (Jets) Matthew Wallis 4, Stephen Coate 3, Harrison Kimball 2, Charlie McCormack 2, Samuel Fisher 1, Sam Clemson 1.

Best: (Temora) William Reinhold, Joseph Morton, Nathan Stimson, William Hughes, Christopher Stacey, Angus McRae; (Jets) Jack Fisher, Samuel Fisher, James Bray, Lachlan Jones, Nate Doyle, Sam Clemson.

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