There’s a reason that Shepparton East made the 2024 grand final and currently sits in third on the Kyabram District League football ladder, something Rushworth found out the hard way in round 11.

Despite not being able to pull one over on one of the main flag contenders this season, the Tigers made a good account of themselves at Central Park Recreation Reserve.

With two goals each in the opening quarter, all that separated Shepparton East and Rushworth in the beginning stages of the match was the Eagles’ six extra chances at goal that went through for behinds.

A scoreless second quarter from the Tigers hurt their chances of claiming an underdog victory, instead letting Shepparton East kick away (3.1) to a 25-point lead.

Rushworth was able to bounce back following the major break, kicking 2.3 and showing its tenacity in defence, limiting the Eagles to 1.3.

With the Tigers making up precious ground on the scoreboard, the disparity sat at 19 points heading into a decisive fourth quarter for Rushworth.

Unfortunately, the Tigers weren’t up to the task, getting a hold of 1.3 down the stretch, while letting the Eagles sneak through 3.2 culminated into a sound 30-point defeat.

The defeat largely came from Rushworth’s inability to play four quarters against Shepparton East, a team which has title ambitions in 2025.

Nico McKinley was named best for the Tigers with Ryan Raglus, Ryan Beale, Nicholas Oaten, Liam Adlington and Cooper Horsfall also putting in good shifts.

Teetering precariously in the last finals spot and leading the mid-table mire, Rushworth will have a good opportunity to get back on the board when it faces Violet Town at Ironbark Stadium in round 12.

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Monday, 26th January 2026

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