After being defeated in the Preliminary Final of the AFL Mackay competition for four consecutive seasons heading into 2021, you could hardly excuse the excitement throughout the Mackay Magpies Australian Football Club as they made their way into the Senior Men’s Allied Cup Grand Final. 

Scoring a 30-point victory over former NRL star Ben Barba’s Eastern Swans in a game which had been the sides achilles heel for the best part of half of their existence in the competition, the Magpies, who were founded in 2013, had finally earnt the right to take part in the biggest day of the year. 

A key member of the breakthrough Magpies side was one of Cootamundra’s most talented sportsman, Stephen Chant. 

A superb career in the navy of the Cootamundra Blues that spanned from 2006 until Chant and now wife, Erin, had decided they were after a sea change, Chant was a recipient of the Blues Best and Fairest on six seperate occasions and was a member of the successful 2014 premiership side. 

It’s no surprise that Chant’s first season in the black and white, after two seasons with rival Bakers Creek Tigers, signalled the arrival of the Magpies as a genuine contender. 

Any supporter or sports lover who had spent even the smallest amount of time at Clarke Oval over the 13 years the Blues were lucky enough to have Chant’s services would have seen what ‘Chanty’ brings to any side he is part of – hard work, competitiveness, a willingness to be involved in every contest of the ball and a passion that is second to none.

The fairytale for both Chant and the Magpies wasn’t to be, going down by a single behind to the more fancied North Mackay Saints, a side who had only tasted defeat once since 2019. 

Holding a slim 4 point lead at the long break, the Saints showed their dominance in the ‘premiership quarter’, blowing the Magpies away to hold a 7.8.50 – 3.4.22 advantage with just 20 minutes of football remaining.

A remarkable show of character by Chant and his Magpies saw them keep the Saints to a clean sheet in the final term, while closing the gap to just one, a final attempt at snatching a memorable win unable to be executed well enough to topple the defending flag holders.

Although it may not ease the pain of coming so close, many good judges believed the closeness of the Grand Final signalled a changing of the guard as far as the premier team in the competition goes for coming seasons. 

Speaking to the Times, Magpies coach Gary Downes said Chant’s attitude towards his training and preparation was a big factor in the thirty-five year old’s impressive season.

“Stephen rarely missed a training and led the way, which resulted in him being one of our most consistent this season. We used Chanty in the backline and his ability to attack the footy hard at all costs, while never allowing his direct opponent an easy kick were his strengths.”

Downes continued to add Chant provided much more than just an experienced head during games.

“His help and guidance with a young group of guys has to be applauded.”

AB