The Rutherglen Cats celebrated a memorable afternoon at Barkly Park in Round 8 of the 2026 TDFL season, defeating Beechworth Football Netball Club strengthening their hopes of making the finals.
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The day was highlighted by the appearance of Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell, who suited up for the Cats before staying on for the club’s Sportsman’s Night celebrations.
Mitchell made an immediate impact on the field, collecting multiple disposals, clearances and tackles, while also producing a superb final-quarter goal that helped seal the 14-point victory for the home side.
Off the field, the AFL star was equally generous with his time, mingling with supporters, sponsors and volunteers to cap off what was a fantastic occasion for the club.
Charlie Beattie provided a strong target up forward throughout the afternoon, while Khris Willett and Caleb Andison were again ever reliable down back.
Jac Holmes also continued his development in the ruck, showing growing confidence and competitiveness around the ground.
The win improves Rutherglen’s record to 5-3 for the season, with attention now turning to a Round 9 clash against Barnawartha Football Netball Club this weekend.
Final Score: Cats 8.11.59 def Bushrangers 6.9.45
Goals: C Beattie 3; J Tanner, R Bonat, M Huggins, B Lane-Gee,
T Mitchell 1
Best: Tom Mitchell, Charlie Beattie, Matthew Tanner, Samuel Edmondson, Caleb Andison, Jac Holmes
Awards: The Convent Brewery – Charlie Beattie, Rutherglen Pizza – Khris Willett, Venetta & Gav Award – Matt Tanner.
Reserves
Cats 11.14.80 def Bushrangers 5.10.40
Goals: A Williams 4; J Reid 2; B Ratcliffe, A Colvin, J Bowering, D Ryland, B Nichol 1
Best: Bailey Nichol, Jordan Rhodes, Rory Beattie, Lenny Hill, Oliver Nash-Webster, Darcy Williams
Rutherglen produced a dominant four-quarter performance on Saturday, running away 40-point winners over Beechworth.
After a relatively even opening term, the Cats blew the game open in the second quarter with a polished brand of football around the contest and through transition.
Rutherglen piled on 6.9 by half time and never allowed Beechworth back into the contest, extending the margin at every change.
Angus Williams was the major target up forward, finishing with four goals in a strong attacking display and providing a constant presence inside 50.
The Cats shared the load across the ground with plenty of contributors playing their role in the convincing win.
Among Rutherglen’s best were Bailey Nichol, Jordan Rhodes and Rory Beattie, who all had strong influence around the ball, while Lenny Hill, Oliver Nash-Webster and Darcy Williams also impressed with consistent four-quarter efforts.
The victory was built on pressure, clean ball movement and the ability to control field position for long periods, particularly after quarter time when the Cats took control of the contest.
Under 17s
Cats 2.7.19 def by Bushrangers 8.5.53
Goals: B McInnes 2
Best: Zavier Manns, Liam Colvin, Jack Chandler, Logan Poole, Brayden McInnes, Jax Ramsey
Rutherglen Cats Battle Hard but Fall Short Against Beechworth Bushrangers
The Under 17 were hoping to bounce back after a tough loss the previous week.
The match commenced with a tight first quarter, where both teams managed to score one goal each.
Jax Ramsey stood out as a key player, battling hard in the ruck and effectively utilising the midfield.
The team were happy to welcome back Captain and key midfielder Logan Poole who linked up with Harry Chandler, Liam Colvin and Xavier Manns who played his strongest match of the season.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Brayden McInnes added another goal to his tally for Rutherglen.
However, Beechworth proved to be too strong in the midfield, dominating the quarter and piling on five goals compared to Rutherglen's solitary goal.
By halftime, Rutherglen found themselves trailing by 22 points.
The third quarter saw Beechworth continue to apply pressure, restricting Rutherglen to just one point. In the final quarter, Rutherglen managed to equalize their scoring, resulting in a two-point draw for that quarter.
The backline was well led by Arthur Morris as well as Elijah McFarlane, Jaylen Cracknell, Jack Chandler, Lucas Zani and Ryan Barkley who battled hard against relentless and physical opposition.
The final score was 53 to 19 with a 34-point win to Beechworth.
After the game AFL Legend Tom Mitchell shared some words of wisdom with the players which they will take away as they look ahead to next week’s clash against Barnawartha.
Rutherglen will be striving to build momentum as the season approaches its midpoint.
The community is encouraged to keep supporting the young Cats as they continue to develop and make their club proud.
Under 14s
Cats 6.13.49 def Bushrangers 1.7.13
Goals: N Cracknell 3; C Johnson, M Smith, L Ledger
Best: Jenson McInnes, Tyler Collis, Benjamin Walsh, Noah Cracknell, Lenny Ledger, Rio Glenn
The young Cats had their hands full early against a very competitive Beechworth team with both sides attacking the football with plenty of vigour, finishing the first quarter on top.
The second and third quarters were also highly competitive, but the young Cats absorbed the pressure and worked their way to take control of the game, with the backline playing great football and defending well, making it very difficult for Beechworth to score.
The Cat’s forwards were working hard and that created many shots on goal which kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Eventually the Cats ran out comfortable winners in a workman like victory.
Under 12s
Cats v Bushrangers – No Score recorded