Football
23 September, 2025
Jordan clinches historic Burras win
Minyip Murtoa defeated Ararat in an absolute thriller in the reserves' football grand final, with an after-the-siren goal from Lachlan Jordan gifting the Burras their first reserves premiership in 27 years.
Minyip Murtoa defeated Ararat in an absolute thriller in the reserves' football grand final, with an after-the-siren goal from Lachlan Jordan gifting the Burras their first reserves premiership in 27 years.
The final score saw Minyip Murtoa kick 9.2 (56) to Ararat’s 8.5 (53).
Ararat entered the clash as the undefeated minor premiers, but it was the Burras who struck early, kicking the opening four goals of the match, eventually leading 24-13 at quarter-time.
While the Rats dominated more of the field position with the wind advantage, the Burras maintained their lead, up 30-22 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Minyip Murtoa create plenty of forward 50 opportunities, but it was Ararat who took greater advantage of their opportunities, reducing the Burras’ lead to four (38-34).
The sides traded goals throughout the quarter before a William Vernon goal off a free kick saw Ararat take the lead with minutes remaining.
In a tense final few minutes of play, Lachlan Jordan took a crucial mark just moments before the siren before delivering the premiership-winning goal.
After some initial confusion over the scoreboard, the Minyip Murtoa victory was confirmed as celebrations ensued.
Burras ruckman Jordan Weyburg was named best on ground for the game, with teammates Bailey Petering, Jack Boschen, Adam Schache and Jordan among the best performers.
Jae McGrath led the team with three goals.
Alan Batchelor, Corey Taylor and Thien Nguyen impressed in Ararat’s defeat.
Jake Leith, coach of Minyip Murtoa, said a sense of belief among the team helped deliver their finals run, having finished the home-and-away season in fifth place.
“Four weeks ago, we thought that if we believed we could do it, give it our best crack, we only needed to play four good games,” Leith said.
“Coming into today, we knew Ararat were a good team, so we knew it was going to take time to win it, but we didn't think it was going to take that much time.
“It was just awesome for the group to have the belief.
"It's a bit of a young group with a couple of nice leaders in there too, and it was just so good that we actually came out on top.”
Asked about Lachlan Jordan’s clutch goal, Leith referenced discussing big moments with the playing group.
“You’re going to get big moments in a final, and I’ve been trying to tell the boys that you’ve just got to take your moment, whether it’s a set shot or balling in at the footy.
“LJ said to me before that all he could think in his head was, ‘take your moment’.
“He was relaxed enough and skilled enough to bang it through and, yeah, I love his right foot.”
Amid a lot of heartbreak over the years in reserves football, Leith said this was a special premiership for Minyip Murtoa.
“I've played in three losing ressies flags,” Leith said.
“Some of the boys have played in more, but this one's pretty special for a lot of people.
"It's really exciting.”
