In any instance, the cream rises to the top — and Kyabram District League football is no exemption.
So in Rushworth’s case, in an attempt to burst out from the competition’s depths and into finals contention next season, new coach Damian Wust is bringing the crème de la crème with him.
Wust, who crossed over from Bendigo recently, has signalled his intentions of storming the competition by wheeling out a man who boasts VFL and WAFL experience in hulking forward Matt Gilmore.
After all, a giant push calls for a giant player.
Standing at 204cm (6’7”), the ex-Bendigo Bomber and Peel Thunder beast will seek to cause serious damage in key areas, which is a prospect Wust cannot wait to see unfold.
“Matt’s played some good footy over in the WAFL and at Eaglehawk, as well as with Melton,” Wust said.
“He’s going to be a big focal point for us up forward and pinch-hitting in the ruck, of course.”
Wust has brought another familiar face in for Rushworth, locking in young ruckman Kyal Zass.
The 22-year-old moves to Tigerland from Eaglehawk and had a fairly weighty tag placed on his back with Wust labelling him an “up-and-coming star”.
And to round out the new batch of signings, two more tall defenders in Corey Reardon and Fred Maclean are set to suit up for Rushworth after departing Tatura and Ardmona respectively.
“With these new boys, it’s definitely something we needed to work on as in getting that spine; we want to get our centre half-back and ruck, full-back down pat and I think we’re starting to do that," Wust said.
“There’s a few others in the works at the minute who will hopefully sign on (soon).”