Augusta-Margaret River’s Jack McMahon cherishes unforgettable grand final after devastating 2021 injury

A year after missing out on playing in Augusta-Margaret River’s 2021 premiership effort because of injury, vice-captain Jack McMahon has finally captured a premiership medal in a moment he will cherish forever. McMahon’s boyhood dream of capturing a premiership medal finally came true last Sunday in Augusta-Margaret River’s 5.7 (37) to 4.9 (33) win over South Bunbury, capping off a year of perseverance after missing out on running out for last year’s grand final when he suffered a broken jaw during the club’s semifinal match against Bunbury. Speaking to the South Western Times, McMahon said hearing the final siren sounded over Hands Oval and realising the Hawks had won was a “surreal moment”. “I honestly really couldn’t believe we had just done what we did after being down not by much but the way we only scored 1.6 by three-quarter-time,” he said. “We felt like we couldn’t get anything going but we were able to rally and get on top which was a pretty surreal moment. “It was sort of a relief for me because I watched all my mates win one last year and it was obviously pretty disappointing. “The way we won it actually just made it so much sweeter. “I’ll really cherish that win and it’s something I’ll never forget.” McMahon said attempting to replicate the club’s success was backed up by the squad, who began #backtobackforjack late last year as a motivator ahead of the 2022 season. “We had a Snapchat group going at the start of the year and one of the boys named it that back in November last year,” he said. “Obviously to do it was pretty cool.” McMahon has spent many years as part of the Augusta-Margaret River Football Club, getting his start in the South West Junior Football League with the Hawks in 2012. He then went on to make the transition to senior football with the Hawks in 2014, making appearances in their colts and reserves squads, before making his league debut in 2015. “(Football) is a huge part of my life — I love playing footy,” he said. “I also love playing footy for my hometown so to finally win a flag, it’s super special. “There’s so many people that come through the club and never get a chance to win a flag so to be able to do it is so special.” McMahon said the celebrations of the Hawks winning back-to-back premierships has spread beyond the closely bonded teammates to the general community in Augusta and Margaret River. “Everyone is pretty pumped and we’re definitely enjoying ourselves,” he said. “Most of us are from down here and we’re all super close mates and with the community as well, most people know everybody down here. “Everyone was getting around us and it’s super special.”