Rushworth’s first thirds side in several years punched well above its weight in 2025.

After only confirming it would have the numbers to play late in January, the side built throughout the year and qualified for finals in a hugely positive year.

The impetus for the side came from captain and vice-captain Tighe and Flynn Clarke, who rallied their friends and the wider community to get the team off the ground.

Coach Ryan Raglus said the Clarkes were crucial in the formation of the side.

“They’re a bit of an inspiration to me,” Raglus said.

“They were the ones that got the whole thing rolling.

“We wanted to see the town have a team, we wanted to have those local guys have something to look forward to on weekends, and that’s ultimately when we decided to commit and have a side.

“Those two said yep, we’re committed, we’ve got some friends, we’ll worry about the numbers as the year rolls on.

“It’s as much to their credit as anyone else’s, as far as I’m concerned.”

The side formed with only 18 players in January and would be supplemented by permit players throughout the year.

Indeed, many of the players, seven or eight according to Raglus, had never played football before and were quickly asked to do so at thirds level in the competitive Kyabram District League.

“They’re all great kids, which is another great bonus from my point of view,” he said.

“They all went there on the right terms, to try and help out the club, and so they were there just to learn, which made it super easy for me to develop them as the year went on.

“You could see their progression through the year, and every week, they’d get better and better.”

After a slow start, the club built over the season, winning five of its last seven games to sneak into the finals in fifth position, with a 7-7 record.

Although the side fell to a heavy defeat in the first round, to feature in finals at all from its position at the beginning of the year was an almighty achievement.

For Raglus, who has signed on to coach again next year, it’s all about not only trying to win games, but also securing the future of the club by developing a pathway for young talent.

“One thing that I noticed is when I was showing up to (senior) games to play myself is that you show up early, and there was no game on before you, other than the reserves,” he said.

“By the time you get ready for a senior game, you only get to watch a couple of quarters of the reserves.

“I really like showing up and seeing the footy there, and that gets everyone else stimulated getting to the game.

“I wanted to bring that back and also have a bit of a pathway for our juniors to move into senior football.

“I think it’s a big thing to replenish senior sides with your under-18s players and give them a taste of senior footy, so that’s what our philosophy is all about, trying to give those guys a bit of experience at senior level.”

With the Tigers’ seniors and A-grade netball sides making an impressive run to the preliminary final this year, the future looks bright at Rushworth Football Netball Club.

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Friday, 2nd July 2027

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