Thirds

After a week off for many of the boys, and strong performances from those selected in the interleague sides, the team returned refreshed and ready for a crucial clash with Katandra at home. A special mention goes to Fletcher Campion, who was named Best on Ground for the NSW interleague team.

Rovers made the perfect start, producing a disciplined defensive effort to keep Katandra scoreless in the opening term. While there were plenty of opportunities in front of goal, including a long-range running major from Haydn Sampson, inaccurate kicking kept the visitors within striking distance. Rovers finished the first quarter leading 2.5 (17).

The second quarter saw the accuracy improve, with Rovers adding 3.2 while restricting Katandra to 1.1. The tackling pressure and intensity around the contest lifted another level, making it the side's strongest quarter defensively. With several players unavailable during the school holidays, coach Wally shuffled the magnets, keeping plenty of height in the forward line. The move paid off, with Dannon Leetham kicking one goal and Charlie Rennie adding two. Stuart Benger and Reece King continued to provide great consistency across half-back, while Haydn Sampson answered the call in the ruck after Fletcher Campion was given a well-earned spell. His efforts prompted the light-hearted comment, "If you don't want to ruck in the future, then stop playing ruck so well."

The third term mirrored the first, except this time the finishing was flawless. Rovers added 4.0 while once again keeping Katandra scoreless. A standout passage of play came from Blayde Lines, whose spoil, clean roving work and precise delivery showcased his all-round effort.

The final quarter was the only blemish on an otherwise outstanding performance. Katandra managed two late goals while Rovers added just a solitary behind, although the defensive pressure and tackling intensity never dropped away. Ryan Squires also had a moment he'd rather forget, missing from point-blank range after running into an open goal square in what was otherwise an excellent game.

Rovers ran out convincing 9.8 (62) to 3.4 (22) winners.

Charlie Rennie finished with four goals, Dannon Leetham kicked three, while Haydn Sampson and Ryan Squires each added one.

Selecting the best players proved no easy task, with at least a dozen players deserving recognition. Archer Moodie, who also led the tackle count, was outstanding alongside Stuart Benger, Fletcher Campion, Thomas Ives, Reece King and Ryan Squires.

Final score: Deni Rovers 9.8-62 def Katandra 3.4-22

Goals: Charlie Rennie 4, Dannon Leetham 3, Haydn Sampson, Ryan Squires.

Best Players: Archer Moodie, Stuart Benger, Fletcher Campion, Thomas Ives, R. King, Reece King, Ryan Squires.

Fourths

Rovers hosted Katandra at Memorial Park in Round 13, with the return of co-captain Ryan Bulmer after two months on the sidelines providing a welcome boost.

Although Katandra were undermanned, they started strongly and applied plenty of early pressure before Rovers found their rhythm.

Taj McCully, Carter Sartore, Jed Fitzmaurice and Mikey Benger were dominant through the midfield, while Lucas Braybon, Cormick Hardman, Harry Rennie and Cal Leiper provided plenty of drive up forward.

The second half saw Rovers play some exciting, fast-flowing and unselfish football, producing several excellent passages of play.

Down back, Beau Jervis, Henry Campion and Jett Boyer repelled every Katandra forward entry, keeping the visitors scoreless.

Rovers finished strongly to record an impressive 147-point victory.

Final score: Deni Rovers 22.15-147 def Katandra 0.0.0

Goals: Lucas Braybon 4, Cormick Hardman 3, Harry Rennie 2, Jett Boyer 2, Callan Leiper 2, Taj McCully 2, Carter Sartore 2, Lennix Leetham 2, Michael Benger, Ged O’Donnell, Ryan Bulmer.

Best Players: Taj McCully, Carter Sartore, Michael Benger, Callan Leiper, Jed Fitzmaurice, Cormick Hardman.

FIFTHS

The Fifths played on a full-sized ground this week, with several Rovers helping top up Katandra's numbers.

The wet and muddy conditions made for plenty of fun, with many of the boys enjoying the opportunity to play alongside and against each other.

Lincoln Arthur worked hard through the midfield, while Bertie Landale stood tall in defence.

Charlie Druitt took a terrific mark in front of goal before converting truly, and Knox Sartore again impressed with his strong marking.

Lenny Parker also produced another excellent all-round performance with his efforts across the ground.

Final score: Not scored.

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Thursday, 30th December 2027

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