Rutherglen kicked off its 2025 campaign in the Tallangatta and District Football League with a resounding victory over Dederang- Mount Beauty at Barkly Park in Rutherglen on Saturday.

Some rain in the lead-up to the game had the ground in fantastic condition, further to the hard work of Chris Colvin and John Clohessy, who ensured the surface was in top shape for round one of the season.

Three new faces made their senior debut in Rutherglen colours.

Khris Willett, a defender who joined the club from the Hume League’s Billabong Crows, made an immediate impact with his strong defensive presence.

Chris Menzies, another defender, returned to football after a short stint away following a year away made a strong impression in Rutherglen colours.

Meanwhile, Lucas Tafft, a versatile forward/ruck, rejoined the club after a stint with Corowa Rutherglen, was outstanding with his defensive prowess inside the forward 50 line and leap in the ruck - finishing his first senior game with two majors.

These players were welcomed into the Rutherglen family in a special pre-game ceremony, with family members and club stalwarts in attendance to present them with their jumpers, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting chapter in their careers with the club.

The final scoreline was a clear reflection of the home team's dominance, as they stormed to a commanding win over Dederang Mount Beauty.

It was a standout performance from several key players, including Michael Cooper, who made his long-awaited return to the team after being sidelined since round five of the previous season with a wrist injury.

Cooper had an instrumental role in the win, kicking two goals and contributing with multiple score involvements.

His ability to create options and provide a focal point between the arcs was a highlight of the game.

Another impressive return was that of Martin Brennan, who proved to be a crucial figure in Rutherglen's midfield and forward line.

Brennan spent time in both the midfield and forward 50, accumulating over 30 disposals and kicking four goals. His work rate and versatility were evident as he played a key part in both scoring and controlling the game.

The home team’s pre-season preparations were on full display as they implemented their game structures with precision.

The team moved the ball quickly and efficiently, creating plenty of opportunities for scoring, and their defensive structures kept Dederang Mount Beauty on the back foot for much of the match.

Looking ahead to next weekend, Rutherglen will face a tough challenge against Thurgoona, a team that defeated them twice in 2024.

With their first-round performance offering plenty of positives, Rutherglen will be looking to carry that momentum into what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Reserves

Cats 20-16-136 def Dederang- Mount Beauty 0-1-1

With a full, strong list to choose from for the first time in many years at the Cattery, our Reserves opened the season with a commanding performance against a Bombers team that strived hard all game.

James Plummer and Angus Williams both snagged four goals for the match, with many other contributors across the field, ably led by Captain Ryan Clohessy.

Well done to our newcomers to the Cattery, as well as those stepping up from the Under 17s last season – we now have plenty of pace and height to contest with.

Award winners:

Poachers Paradise Hotel – Hayden Weller

Howlong Shearing Services – Sam Lawrence

Baker Seed Co – James Plummer

Rutherglen Pizza – Charles James

Corowa Sportspower – Rory Beattie

Under 17s

Cats 10-8-68 def Dederang- Mount Beauty 7-9-51

A strong start for the boys in season opener.

The team kicked off the season with a solid first-up win, despite a slightly rusty start.

The opening quarter was a tight contest, with scores remaining neck and neck. However, as the game progressed, the boys found their rhythm, building momentum through the second and third quarters.

A brief lapse at the start of the final term saw DMB slot two quick goals, but the team responded well to maintain control and secure a well-earned 17-point victory.

This performance highlights the promising potential for the 2025 season. It was fantastic to see a strong contribution from the Under-14s stepping up, alongside second-year players like Flynn Verhulst and Logan Poole, who are beginning to showcase their full potential.

Overall, it was a great team effort, setting a strong foundation for the season ahead. Goal Kickers: Aidan Berriman (4), Harry Chandler (2), Bryce Maloney (1), Flynn Verhulst (1), Oliver Nash-Webster (1), Mitch Francis (1).

Next up, the boy’s face Thurgoona away in what will be a great test to gauge where we stand early in the season.

Award winners:

Rutherglen Pizza – Flynn Verhulst

Silver Key Café – Aiden Berriman

Corowa Sportspower – Dusty Fisher

Coaches Award – Will Waite

Coaches Award – Jax Ramsey

Under 14s

Cats 4-0-24 def By Dederang- Mount Beauty 4-2-26

Our Under 14 Cats had a strong sense of excitement and anticipation for the first match of the 2025 Season against the Dederang Mount Beauty Bombers.

They were greeted with difficult conditions, however received exceptional support from the Rutherglen supporters under the leadership of their captains Elijah McFarlane and Brayden McInnes.

Dederang had the best of the first quarter and managed to hit the scoreboard with 2 goals. Jai Richey slotted a goal for the home team.

At half time only a point separated the teams in a tight contest with Noah Cracknell scoring a major. The third quarter saw Dederang pull away and hold the Cats scoreless.

In the final quarter the Cats backline stood up and stopped all of the Bomber’s entries. Nash Eloy, and Zac Macumber were solid down back while Kayden Saunders was busy on the wing.

The team rallied with a goal each for Ben Pagan-Saunders and Max Chandler.

Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, and Dederang were the winners by two points.

The Cats can be proud of their efforts and take many positives leading into next week’s game against Thurgoona.

Please head along to Thurgoona to support our young Cats as they try to bounce back strongly in round two.

Award winners:

Rutherglen Pizza – Noah Cracknell

Silver Key Café – Kayden Saunders

Corowa Sportspower – Eli McFarlane

Chandler Cash – Zac Macumber

Coaches Award – Ryan Moore

Under 12s

Cats 3-1-19 def Dederang- Mount Beauty 0-1-1

The first quarter was an even contest where the Cats managed to kick the first two goals of the game.

The remainder of the game was played in greasy conditions, which resulted in a low scoring match with the young Cats eventually running out 18-point winners in a hard-fought game.

Goals- 1 Cody ODonoghue , 1 Lenny Ledger , 1 Logan Field

Award winners:

McFarlane Family - Jack

Silver Key Café – Jed

Rutherglen Lolly Shop – Lenny Ledger

Danny Johnson Most Courageous – Sammy

The Other Place – Pat Colman

J & M Steel Erection – Cody O’Donoghue

North East Marine - Ben

Netball

A Grade

Cats 18 def by Dederang- Mount Beauty 47

Award Winners:

Best On Court (Club) – Jess Oats

Victoria Hotel – Kat Bartlett

Boorhaman Hotel – Ally Halton

Where to start? Felt more like basketball than netball with all of the changes, but from that we found some good combinations that were unexpected.

Don’t think the scoreboard reflected the game, it felt closer during the contest.

We can’t wait to get the pads out to work on our push and shove this week.

Overall, it was a good effort with four debutantes for A Grade – lots of positives were taken from the game.

B Grade

Cats 32 def by Dederang- Mount Beauty 36

Award winners:

Victoria Hotel BOC – Sarah Parker

Boorhaman Hotel – Emily Gillard

Club Cash Award – Kara Renshaw

Club Cash Award – Mel Griffin

Great first game with the new team, we just lost our way a little in the last quarter, after being up at three quarter time. Coach really proud of everyone’s efforts against a very physical team that finished in the finals last year. A positive result is not far away – keep working girls!

C Grade

Cats 23 def by Dederang- Mount Beauty 43

Award winners:

Best On Court (Club) – Olivia Plummer

Victoria Hotel – Sophie Anderson

Movere Pilates – Charlie Williams

C Grade provided a great first match for this new look side – there were plenty of nice passages of play, and improvement will only come as they train and play together more throughout the season. Well done girls.

17 & Under

Cats 22 def by Dederang- Mount Beauty 40

Award winners:

Best On Court (Club) – Tahlia Morley

Silken Skin Spa Studio – Elle Lawrence

Movere Pilates – Faith O’Donoghue

The girls started strong in the first quarter with five centre pass turnovers and two in the defensive end of the court.

Our defenders worked hard to pick up DMB shooters’ quick passes and rebounds.

Mid court was brought down by defence allowing them to focus on our attack end and goals.

The shooters had a great game moving around the ring and putting as many shots as they could up.

All though they lost by 18 everyone had their heads up high and kept positive all game. Bring on the rest of the season!

15 & Under

Cats 18 def by Dederang- Mount Beauty 28

Award Winners:

Best On Court (Club) – Alegra May

Club – Shylah Pinn

Club – Erica Harder

Our girls started slowly, adjusting to the new team setup. However, as the game progressed, they kept improving. Alegra had an amazing first ever game of netball. Our team won the last quarter giving us a glimpse of what is possible for the season.

13 & Under

Cats 7 def by Dederang- Mount Beauty 9

Award Winners:

Maloney Cash – Indi Renshaw

Daisy Cow – Flick Watson

The Wax Trade – Leah Ellis

Our girls had a wonderful first game, they gave it everything for the whole of the four quarters. With an extremely strong defense they closed the gap from 4 -2, and everyone is excited to see where this season can take them. Well done!

12 & Under

Cats 5 def Dederang- Mount Beauty 3

Award Winners:

Club – Poppy Ellery

Club – Heidi Macumber

Club – Connie Morris

What a great start to the season for our little Cats – every one of them played amazingly, and coaches couldn’t be any happier with the effort they put in. Each player had a job to do, and they did it despite the early morning weather.

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Sunday, 27th April 2025

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