With both teams missing key players, it opened the door for others to step up and make their mark.
The Rams matched Mulwala for most of the day, showing great spirit and resilience, particularly through the leadership of Gus Durnan and Todd Gallagher, who battled tirelessly across four quarters.
It wasn’t until the final term that Mulwala capitalised on a few crucial Rams mistakes to edge ahead.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Deniliquin, with several junior players impressing under pressure and showing the future of the club is in safe hands.
Their ability to adapt and compete at senior level, with strong guidance from the experienced heads around them, was a real highlight.
The Rams will take plenty from the performance as they continue to build.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 6.7 (43) def by Mulwala 12.15 (87).
Best players: Angus Durnan, Will Henderson, Todd Gallagher, Zac Free, Chase Bartlett, Doug Billings.
Goals: Angus Durnan 2, Charlie Hillier, Luke Todd, Tom McCallum, James Sansom.
Reserves:
For some of the boys, coming up against Mulwala brought up the disappointment of their one-point loss against them in the grand final last year. It was after an undefeated season.
Coach Colin Thompson was hoping for rain to get a few of the farmer boys away from their harvesting.
The rain did come, so thankfully we were able to play with a full squad, and with the inclusion of thirds players Jack Sander and Ryder Perrin.
Overall, the boys fought hard, but the game got away from us in the third quarter.
We could only add two goals to their six-goal quarter.
To their credit they stuck at it in the fourth quarter, adding four goals to Mulwala’s two - they didn’t give up and kept grinding away.
Riley McCleod, who has never played AFL (but you wouldn’t pick it), continues to improve and was deservingly awarded best on ground.
We also welcomed new player Stephen Todd, who gives us some handy height and slotted in beautifully having a great game and in our best players for the day.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 10.0 (60) def by Mulwala 14.9 (93).
Best players: Riley McCleod, Jack Sides, Brodie Elphick, Billy Michael, Stephen Todd, Lachlan Marshall.
Goals: Lachlan Marshall 3, Brodie Elphick 3 Brodie Park 2 Brett Macdonald 2.
Thirds:
Coming off a big win the previous week, the boys put in the hard work at training but unfortunately went down to a bigger Mulwala side.
They showed plenty of fight and character and despite the result, Deni impressed with solid ball movement and a clear intent to play fast, attacking footy.
We looked to move the ball quickly through the corridor, showing glimpses of the style we wish to play.
Most importantly, they ran the game out hard, highlighting their resilience and commitment to their brand of footy.
Final score: Deniliquin Rams 2.5 (17) def by Mulwala 7.12 (54).
Best players: Andrew Smith, Tom Ives, Charlie McCallum, Tynen Rothe, Henry Robinson.
Goals: Chase Bartlett, Tom Murray.
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