Dylan Van Berlo (left) claimed the league’s Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive year, Mitch Francis (centre) the league’s best and fairest award and Noah Cracknell finished third in the league’s Under 14 top individual award.

Having former juniors return to the club after excellent stints at the highest senior level of football in the region was exciting for Rutherglen this year.

Boom Rutherglen Cats football recruit Marty Brennan capped off a brilliant season by winning the Tallangatta & District Football League’s best and fairest, the Barton Medal for 2025.

The dynamic onballer Brennan polled in 11 matches and was awarded best on ground on five occasions to finish with 25 votes.

Yackandandah ruckman Zac Leitch polled the most votes with 29 but was ineligible after being found guilty of a rough conduct charge, receiving a reprimand.

Brennan, 28, is no stranger to best and fairest awards. A former Cats junior, Brennan also won back-to-back league thirds best and fairests with Rutherglen in 2012-13.

He won two best and fairest awards with Lavington seniors in the O and M. Brennan, this season’s seniors deputy vice captain, returned to Rutherglen for the first time since 2016 after the stint with Lavington Panthers.

“It’s been a nice surprise. It’s something I didn’t expect to win. It is nice to win but humbling,” the electrician from Wodonga said.

“I don’t think I’m the best player in the league. Zac Leitch is better. He polled more votes than I did but was ineligible.”

Brennan heaped praise on teammate Dylan Van Berlo who was “very stiff not to win”. “The amount of work he does is incredible. He makes me play better.”

Rutherglen’s ruckman Van Berlo repeated last year’s Most Valuable Player award and was pleased about it.

“It was nice because you’re being recognised by all the league coaches,” the fitter and machinist from Wangaratta said. “And it was good to see the overall improvement in the club.

“Marty’s a real gun. It’s good playing alongside him instead of going head-to-head against him!” Van Berlo, 29, played with Wang Magpies and certainly made his presence felt with good footy.

Rutherglen’s Under 17 captain and centreman Mitch Francis was the league’s best and fairest winner for 2025.

The Year 12 Rutherglen High School student was fifth in last year’s Under 17 count and led his side into this season’s finals.

Under 14’s centreman Noah Cracknell, a Year 7 student at the high school, had a fine home and away season, finishing third in the league’s best and fairest count.

On the eve of the finals last week, Rutherglen Football Netball Club President Greg Lumby was excited that Rutherglen players featured in the league’s awards.

“Marty’s consistency, leadership and hard work across the year set the standard for our senior group, and it’s fantastic to see his efforts recognised,” he said.

“Marty was also named in the Team of the Year alongside teammate Dylan Van Berlo, one of our senior coaches.

“It was exciting having two of our former juniors come back and play for us and play so well – they are wonderful for us both on and off the field.

“Dylan’s ability to lead on and off the field has been outstanding and his recognition is well deserved.”

Mr Lumby also spoke highly about Mitch Francis whose league award achievement was “a sensational effort” and whose performances this season have been “outstanding”. “It has also been a terrific season by Noah with our Under 14s, giving him a third finish.”

The president praised the football and netball teams. “With our football, it was exciting to see the overall improvement this season,” Mr Lumby said.

“Our Reserves, Under 17s and Under 14s have made the finals, and our seniors went so close to making the finals.”

Last year, the Cats won seven games and lost 11 in the seniors; this year, 10 games were won, there was a draw and seven losses.

“Whilst not making finals, our netball has shown improvement this season and we are advertising for coaches for next year,” Mr Lumby said.

“With our football, all of our coaches and many players have re-signed for next season. It’s all looking very good. I wish all the players the best of luck in the finals.”

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Tuesday, 20th January 2026

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