But when Mueller flew skyward on the grandstand flank at Moama Reserve for a strong contested mark in a frantic final quarter of the Murray Football League grand final, the ball lay in his hands when the siren blared to confirm the Road’s second premiership in four consecutive deciders.
No-one should have doubted the mercurial forward’s ability to have the final say on the 2026 season.
Mueller’s fourth-quarter burst yielded two goals that put paid to Cobram’s late charge after the Tigers had drawn back within five points, leading to a memorable eight-point win that delivered ‘ the Wiz’ a fourth senior footy flag.
Though by his own admission, he thought when needing assistance to even get out of bed during his recovery, he didn’t expect to have another medal around the neck.
“I didn’t think I’d be back - I suppose it’s just down to good timing,” Mueller said.
“Still dealing with a bit of nerve pain from time to time but I’m glad to be back apart of it.”
Since making his remarkable comeback only 13 weeks after his injury, Mueller has booted 14 goals in seven games, ending the grand final with a flourish.
A two-time GVL flag-winner with Kyabram and a key member of Congupna’s drought-breaking 2024 triumph, Mueller said this result was particularly memorable for the adversity his side had to overcome on the injury front.
And he had every belief in his team to withstand Cobram’s final charge.
“At the moment, (this flag) ranks probably number one,” Mueller said.
“Just with the amount of injuries we had… two or three players did their knee it just showed the resilience of the club and the boys.”
Six months after a Haisman Shield title with Kyabram, it’s another remarkable chapter in the career of one of the GV’s finest sporting all-rounders.
Congupna defeated Cobram 14.6 (90) to 11.16 (82) to end the Tigers’ bid for back-to-back premierships.
