‘Same old Jervois’: Bluds win an RMFL premiership in their centennial year
Jervois are back on top of the River Murray Football League in 2026, in three of the four grand finals they contested.
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Everything had been building to this, and for the Jervois Football Club, it all paid off.
The Bluds capped their centennial year in style at Meningie on Saturday, winning league, reserves and under-15.5 premierships in the River Murray Football League’s grand finals while finishing runner-up in the under-18s.
The A-grade decider was an all-time arm wrestle, a rough, tough contest in which Mannum and Jervois went goal for goal until the last 10 minutes.
The Roos got the early jump on a hot afternoon, slotting two goals to none in the first quarter, but the Bluds soon tightened the screws.
The fightback was literal in a physical second quarter, but Jervois were never quite able to get away until their possessions became cleaner and their intercept marks more frequent in the second half.
They held the Roos to a single behind in the last quarter.
The final score was 10.12 (72) to 8.8 (56) for the red and black.
Chris Schmidt was named best on ground and the Cybulka Medal winner for the premiers.
Coach Taite Silverlock credited Mannum for fighting hard, and his own side for bouncing back after losing to the Cats in last year’s grand final.
Jervois players and supporters sing their song after winning the flag on Saturday. Video: Peri Strathearn.
“It’s a big year for our footy club, 100 years, there was no doubt a lot of pressure, there was a lot of expectation, a lot of demand to succeed, and I’m super proud of the group,” he said.
“We’ve won a flag in our hundredth year – that’s something we’ll all take to the grave.”
To his critics, he added: “Don’t ever doubt me again.”
Co-captains Mitch Noye and Josh Scott offered their commiserations to Mannum and thanks to their supporters.
“Geez it feels good when no-one wants you to win,” Scott said.
“Same old Jervois.”
Jervois players celebrate while the Mannum boys watch on. Photos: Peri Strathearn.
The win gave the Bluds a fourth premiership from six grand finals since 2020, and their 21st in a century – only one flag behind record-holders Imperials.
In the reserves, Jervois beat the Cats 9.10 (64) to 5.6 (36) on their own turf, with Owen Love named best on.
The under-15.5s beat Imperials 6.3 (39) to 3.5 (23), with Bryce Reid the medal winner.
Only the under-18s fell at the final hurdle, going down 15.6 (96) to 5.6 (36) to Tailem Bend.
Ramblers won a flag in the mixed under-13 competition, defeating Mallee 4.8 (32) to 4.1 (25).
More to come.
- Read more: Jervois’ Lachlan Thomas takes out the 2026 Mail Medal
- Read more: Jervois Football Club celebrates 100 years
