Ryan Beale and St Kilda legend Stephen Milne celebrate a Rushworth goal. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Rushworth has retained its spot in the finals frame and tops the mid-table mire following a scrappy win featuring an ex-AFL star against arch-rival Stanhope in round 10 of Kyrabram District League football.
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St Kilda legend Stephen Milne was a hired gun for Rushworth against Stanhope, with the former AFL player’s game at Ironbark Stadium coinciding with the club’s sponsors day.
The Tigers were also buoyed by the news of Mark Wheatley re-signing with Rushworth as senior football coach for the 2026 season.
However, Stanhope looked likely to spoil the Tigers’ celebrations in the first quarter, with the Lions kicking 4.3 en route to a slim, four-point lead at quarter-time.
Daniel Brock launches a missile.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Stanhope continued that momentum into the second period, doubling its score before half-time, while Rushworth, kept within striking distance, down by 11 heading into the major break.
Following half-time, the momentum shifted in favour of the host, with a 4.3 effort in front of goal and holding the Lions to 1.1 catapulting the Tigers into the lead.
While Rushworth wasn’t exactly efficient in its goal kicking exploits down the stretch (3.6) the sheer volume of chances trumped Stanhope’s late three-goal comeback.
Johnathan Pearson grabs one under pressure from Liam Francis
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The thrilling 13.16 (94) to 12.7 (79) finish was worthy of the gravitas of the occasion, with Nico McKinley, Troy Damon, Liam Francis, Jackson McRae, Luke Oakley and Ethan Arnold the top performers for the home side.
Wheatley reflected on the match and highlighted Stanhope’s performance in particular, heaping praise on the opposition’s effort throughout the game.
Luke Oakley wraps up William Curtis.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“We knew Stanhope were going to come out swinging with the rivalry factor, they’re a forceful contest and centre bounce side, so we knew our mids were going to have their work cut out,” he said.
“It didn’t go according to plan from the start; we weren’t playing badly, we just had a few turnovers and poor entries inside 50.
“Their ball movement was slick and looked good at some stages and made us look silly.
“We straightened a few things out at half-time and emphasised getting the game back on our terms, I sensed if we could kick a couple of goals that could potentially break them.
“I felt like we controlled the game well in that last quarter, even though they kicked a few late, we had some nice run and carry.”
Jackson McRae keeps his focus on the ball.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Wheatley was also thrilled to have Milne in and around the club for round 10, with the St Kilda hero celebrating Rushworth’s club culture.
“It was a phenomenal effort from our players on such an important day and obviously having Stephen Milne there was special, it was a great reward for hard work,” he said.
“This was the second time (Stephen) Milne has played for us and the presence that these ex-AFL guys bring is special.
Jed Evans and Liam Adlington contest in the air.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“He was getting photos with kids and the Stanhope faithful and it brought a smile to my face because this is what community footy is about.
“He was with us until quite late on Saturday night and he loves it, he sent me a message later on saying how much he loves what the club is doing and was proud to be a part of it and wants to play with us again next year.”
Before that, the Tigers will have to keep their eyes on the ball with a big encounter in store for round 11, facing flag contender Shepparton East at Central Park Recreation Reserve.
