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The Albury Tigers have won 22 premierships in the Ovens and Murray FL – it all started way back at the turn of the 20th century – this episode takes a historical look back at the first three premierships and just what it was like playing football at the time as Albury celebrated their 1902, 1908 and 1913 flags with names synonymous to the Albury club and league were emerging.

The year was 1959 and former Fitzroy legend Bill Stephen had the Pigeons primed for a tilt at its first ever OMFL premiership and to break a 32 year premiership drought – the biggest challenge was defending premier Wangaratta Rovers under Collingwood legend Bob Rose – they found away that thrilled a community and town in one of the all time grand finals.

On October 25th 2023 the sporting world and community of Walla Walla lost one of natures gentleman - Merv Wegener an absolute icon of the Hume Football netball league and the unofficial Mayor of Walla Walla - in November 2021 Merv was interviewed on 1494 2AY by Robbie Mackinlay - here is the interview as a tribute to Merv his family and his many admirers across the community.

Albury were on its knees after a loss in week one of finals their backs were to the wall ahead of its first semi-final showdown – they had injuries and suspensions and had be written off in the media – but they had a card up their sleeve and they were about to deal it they were also a resilient lot and came out to fight back – enjoy Part B of Tiger Tales 1996 – “Spargo’s Soldiers – Against All Odds”.

 The Tigers were on the hunt for back to back premierships in 1996,  gains outweighed the losses on the recruiting front – they had negotiated the home and away rounds with just two losses to finish second behind Lavington on percentage – a bizarre finals schedule, injuries, suspensions and a loss in week one of finals had the Tigers at the crossroads enjoy Part A of Tiger Tales 1996 – “Spargo’s Soldiers – Against All Odds”

The Albury Tigers under new coach Paul Spargo had made it to a preliminary final in 1994 they hadn’t tasted premiership success since 1985 – they launched a bold recruiting plan and landed some real quality to what was already a talented list – they played hard on and off the field and when it counted, they stood up under enormous pressure when challenged.

  Albury Thunder were coming off its first ever Group Nine senior premiership and wanted more in 2013 – Josh Cale was coaching again and the hunger burnt strong to go Back to Back – they trained hard and gained the competitive edge that would take them to new heights as Thunder struck again in Group Nine rugby league.

Lockhart had last won a premiership in 1982 – the year was 2003 a new coach was found a rookie coach named Mick Glanvill – he and his recruiting committee dragged back former players and locals as Lockhart became a genuine force – they did it the hard way from elimination final to premiership glory by a spirit that swept every finals opponent aside.

  Wooden spooners in 1984 with just two wins the Albury Tigers had hit the wall – coaching legend Tom Doolan stepped down as the search began for his replacement - it ended with a young man from Ganmain Russell Campbell appointed for 1985 – he rejuvenated and inspired the club to one of its greatest ever premiership victories as the Tigers roared back into contention in one of the all time great OMFL grand finals.

The All Blacks were into their 4th season in the  Tungamah FL and yet to play finals – they stepped it up with clever recruiting & found a strong bond amongst the senior playing group – both sides made it into the grand final as history awaited them – grand final day had it all in both grades – drama, tension, brutality and courage – I hope you enjoy “Written in Stone – Backs to the Wall”.  

The year was 1947 and the world was recovering from the horror of WW2 – community sport was making a return and the Albury Tigers were starting to regain momentum it had pre war after a close loss in the 1946 decider – they recruited a VFL/VFA legend Tommy “The Turk” Lahiff as coach and they got busy at getting better as they launched an assault on the 1947 OMFL premiership.

  The All Blacks went into the 1976 season still reeling from a straight sets finals exit from the 1975 season after going through the home and away season unbeaten with a 12 goal average winning margin – they made change found a new coach kept the old coach and put together a stunning season of dominance to win its 10th premiership.