Cats 12.7 79 def Thurgoona 11.10 76
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Goals: F Verhulst 4; J Peters 2; R Bonat, D Van Berlo, K Willett, J Plummer, L Tafft, A Williams 1
Best: Lucas Tafft, Samuel Edmondson, Jett Peters, Flynn Verhulst, Arthur Morris, Brad Andison
It was a cracking day for football at Barkly Park, with the Rutherglen Cats enjoying the luxury of playing at home in front of a huge and passionate crowd.
The occasion was made even more special with past players returning for a premiership reunion, creating a fantastic atmosphere around the ground.
The Cats also celebrated the senior debut of young thirds player Arthur Morris, who stepped up and immediately showed he belonged at the level.
The game started as a real arm wrestle, with both sides battling hard and neither able to gain much of an advantage early.
Eventually, the Cats began to find their rhythm, with young gun Flynn Verhulst taking the game by the scruff of the neck and booting three goals in a single quarter.
His impact helped Rutherglen open up a handy lead heading into half time.
To Thurgoona's credit, the Bulldogs came out firing after the main break and fought their way back into the contest.
The third quarter saw the momentum swing, and the Bulldogs continued their charge into the final term, eventually taking the lead from the Cats.
With just three minutes remaining, Rutherglen found themselves nine points down.
But rather than panic, the Cats lifted when it mattered most.
With all the play coming through their forward half, they managed to find a crucial goal to reduce the margin to just three points.
Then came the moment the home crowd had been waiting for.
With only 30 seconds remaining, Jett Peters stood up and kicked the goal that put the Cats back in front.
From there, Rutherglen held their nerve to secure a thrilling victory, sparking huge celebrations among the players and the loyal supporters packed around Barkley Park.
Lucas Tafft was enormous in the ruck all day, competing tirelessly and following up his ruck work with plenty of ground-level impact.
His memorable run-down tackle was a highlight and summed up the effort he brought to the contest.
On debut, Arthur Morris starred down back.
The young defender never gave his opponent an inch, consistently putting himself in the right position and showing enormous courage by standing in the hole when the pressure was at its highest.
It was a terrific debut and one the young Cat can be proud of.
Sam Edmondson was also super in defence, providing plenty of composure and strength across the backline before moving into the midfield and helping drive the ball forward when the Cats needed it most.
It was a win built on persistence, courage and belief.
To come from nine points down with three minutes remaining and find a way to win in front of a huge home crowd made the victory all the more special.
A memorable day at Barkly Park, made even better by a thrilling Cats victory.
Reserves
Cats 6.8 44 def by Bulldogs 11.5 71
Goals: M Huggins 2; D Thomson, Reid, B Lane-Gee, B Nichol 1
Best: Mitchell Huggins, Laiton Hetherington, Jax Ramsey, Baxter Lane-Gee, Jordan Rhodes, Rory Beattie
Under 17s
Cats conclude season against undefeated Bulldogs
Cats 0.1 1 defeated by Bulldogs 18.10 128
Best: Jaylen Cracknell, Logan Morley, Ryan Moore, Lucas Zani, Jax Ramsey, Tyler Ward
The Under 17 Rutherglen Cats faced off against the top-of-the-table undefeated Thurgoona Bulldogs in their final match of the season at home.
The game promised to be a tough challenge, especially with four of the Under 17 players, Flynn Verhulst, Logan Poole, Harry Chandler, and Arthur Morris, stepping up to the senior side.
With these players out, Ryan Barkley and Phoenix Wight proudly took on the captains role.
Jax Ramsey put on a dominant display in the ruck, continuing his strong season form and effectively tapping down to Logan Morley, who had an excellent match.
The Rutherglen defence was under constant pressure, but they were well served by Jaylen Cracknell, Ryan Moore, and Elijah McFarlane, who worked tirelessly to repel the Bulldogs’ advances.
By halftime, the Bulldogs had established a commanding 85-point lead, putting the Cats in a challenging position.
Despite this, Rutherglen managed to apply more pressure in the second half, showcasing their resilience and determination.
A massive thank you goes out to the Under 17 coaches, Duane and Jay, for their fantastic guidance and player development throughout the season, with special thanks also to team manager Jenna and runner Dutchy, for their unwavering support.
Congratulations to every member of the Under 17 squad for their outstanding teamwork and camaraderie, which have significantly contributed to their growth throughout the season.
As the football season comes to a close, Rutherglen looks forward to regrouping and preparing for next year.
Best wishes to all our players as they continue their journeys in 2027.
Awards: Rutherglen Golf Club Award - Ryan Moore; Rutherglen Pizza Award - Logan Morley; Dinky Di Electrical Award - Jaylen Cracknell.
Under 14s
Cats 5.7 37 def Bulldogs 4.10 34
Goals: C Johnson-Wood, N Cracknell, C O’Donoghue, Logan Field, Benjamin Walsh
Best: Codie Johnson-Wood, Jenson McInnes, Tyler Collis, Michael Smith, Cody O’Donoghue, Zac Macumber
This week the Cats hosted third placed Thurgoona for the last round of the home and away season on a perfect Saturday morning.
Right from the first bounce both teams came out ready to play, with the first 10 minutes of the game a real arm wrestle, neither side giving an inch and the Cats finally kicking three goals inside the last five minutes thanks to Logan Field, Noah Cracknell and Ben Walsh.
The second quarter was another highly competitive quarter with both sides moving the football quickly and cleanly, punishing their opponent for any turnovers.
The rest of the game was played in the same fashion in what was a highly entertaining game of Under 14s football, with the young Cats holding on for a thrilling victory.
Awards: Slopes’ Award – Codie J-Wood; Wood Family Award – Jenson McInnes; Glenn Family Award – Tyler Collis, Tom & Tam Renshaw Award – Michael Smith; Rutherglen Pizza Award – Zac Macumber; D N Electrical Award – Cody O’Donoghue.
Netball
A Grade
Cats 21 def by Bulldogs 67
Goals: Jess Ryan 12, Tahni Evans 9
A solid effort from the team in their final game of the season; the girls worked well together and continued to support each other throughout the match.
There were plenty of positive moments and good team play to take away as they finish the season.
Awards: RFNC $ Award - Ally Halton ; Movere Pilates Award - Tahni Evans; Coaches Award - Pia Taylor; Parker Pies Award - Jess Ryan.
B Grade
Cats 18 def by Bulldogs 85
Goals: Kara Lowen 8, Abbie Hetherington 6, Nova Papa 4
A tough finish to the season for the Cats on the weekend, however it was good to have a full side available for one last game.
Eden worked hard throughout the midcourt and Nova was great when swung into goal attack.
The club implores the girls to rest up, enjoy their time off, and get ready to hit pre-season for a bigger and better 2027.
Awards: RFNC $ Award - Eden Kirk; Parker Pies Award - Nova Papa.
C Grade
Cats 28 def by Bulldogs 54
Goals: Melissa Pinn 23, Holly O’Donoghue 3, Kara Renshaw 1, Chelsie McLeod 1
It was a tough game for the Cats, who were overpowered by the Bulldogs.
Olivia and Tahlia worked hard in defence, putting pressure on the opposition and making some great efforts to win back possession.
Although they didn’t get the result they wanted, the team showed determination and kept fighting until the final whistle.
Awards: RFNC $ Award - Olivia Plummer; Adroit Insurance Award - Tahlia Morley.
Under 17s
Cats 26 def by Bulldogs 48
Goals: Holly O’Donoghue 20, Audrey Maloney 5, Shylah Pinn 1
The club is extremely proud of the growth this team has shown over the season.
It may have been tough at times, but they to learn and build on their skills each week.
There were a few things they focussed on at training last week that finally fell into place, and the club hopes the girls take these skills into their next season, whether juniors or seniors, and continue to improve their individual game.
Matilda in GD finished her junior career strongly and did exactly what was asked in fighting for the ball and running hard.
Holly in GS really stood up and showed leadership on the court by directing play and providing encouragement, standing alongside Shylah and Audrey, who stepped up from Under 15s.
Faith in C/WA listened to every adjustment the club asked of her and provided a strong force through the midcourt to end her junior career.
Their coach was delighted to lead the girls this year, and the club hopes they stick around at Rutherglen for many years to come.
Awards: J & M Steel Erection Award - Matilda Colwell; Hadar Homes Hotshot Award - Holly O’Donoghue; Dinky Di Electrical Award - Faith O’Donoghue.
Under 15s
Cats 25 def by Bulldogs 48
Goals: Skye Lush 13, Audrey Maloney 9, Shylah Pinn 3
With Thurgoona sitting second on the ladder, it was always going to be a tough challenge, but the Cats showed just how far they have come this season.
The team competed hard across all four quarters and went into the second quarter just five goals down, a fantastic reflection of the improvement this group has made.
With several different rotations and combinations throughout the game, the players once again showed great attitude and versatility.
Their willingness to step into different positions and take on whatever role was asked of them showcased the strength, skill and depth of the playing group.
Well done to every player on a fantastic season; you have taken some huge steps forward, and your attitude, effort and approach throughout the year have been fabulous.
Be proud of how far you have come and keep putting in the work; there will be plenty of exciting things ahead next season.
Awards: Parker Pies Award - Audrey Maloney; Hadar Homes Hotshot Award - Savannah Barnes; Spark Award - Flick Watson.
Under 13s
Cats 8 def by Bulldogs 46
Goals: Isla Verhulst 7, Olivia Livingstone 1
The junior teams continue to shine, showing fantastic team spirit, effort and growth each week.