New Rams blood for past players weekend

The seniors suffering their first loss of the season by 68 points.

Coach John Fitzpatrick said the team members were “not themselves”, with several key players under the weather.

He said it unfortunately showed in their performance.

“We started off alright, having a lead at the end of the first quarter.

“We had half a dozen crook, and they ran out of puff towards the end of the game.

“We also had five or six on-ballers crook early in the week, but across the board we didn’t play very well as a team.

“Charlie Bull was good on a wing and Miller Fitzpatrick was good in close, but apart from that, there wasn’t too much else.”

Rumbalara are playing their second match for the year after beginning their season last week with a 63 point loss to Mulwala.

But Fitzpatrick said they’re similar to the Rams, meaning they’ll have to be prepared for a stern contest - even with an injection of more youth for the Rams this week.

“It’ll be challenging; they’re a pretty young side just like us,” he said.

“We’ve got a fair few ins this week, with Steve Todd back.

“Tynen Rothe will play his first game of senior footy this year, as will Sam Crossley.

“We also had Oscar Wren play his first senior footy game for the club, who was very good for us last week.

“All we can do is turn up and be ready to play, and ready for the challenge.”

This week also has added significance for the Rams as it is the club’s 2026 past players, supporters and premiership reunion weekend.

“Every week we want to play well, and we will be judged on how we played last week, but you want to play well in front of past players.”

At the Hardinge St facilities there will be a welcome evening from 6.30pm Friday, before the reunion day from 12.30pm Saturday.

The club is celebrating the 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2001 senior premierships, 1996 and 2001 reserves premierships and 1976 and 1986 thirds premierships.

All former footballers and netballers are warmly invited to attend, along with past and present committee members, supporters and friends of the club.