Koori Knockout 2024: We rate our favourite moments from this year’s edition in Bathurst

The Koori Knockout provided a number of incredible highlights to remember from the four-day footy extravaganza in Bathurst. We look at our 15 top moments from the weekend.

Dennis Moran continues his tradition at the Koori Knockout, representing the Narwan Eels. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

The Koori Knockout might be done and dusted for another year, but there were moments that will live on well past the event.

We take a look back at the weekend that was with some of our favourite moments from the 2024 Koori Knockout in Bathurst.

DENNIS TURNS BACK THE CLOCK

At the spritely age of 47, the man many refer to as the GOAT of the Knockout in Dennis Moran was on deck to steer the Narwan Eels around the park.

He’s given plenty back to the Knockout over the years and remains a fan favourite among the younger and older generations.

NANIMA’S BUILDING BLOCKS

You could tell how raw it was for Nanima Common Connection’s Justin Toomey-White speaking on stage after their grand final loss to Walgett.

He spoke with emotion and it’s obvious how much the loss meant, but this will serve as incredible motivation for them to run it back and go one better in 2025.

Ty Munro was an excitement machine for Boomerangs Sports Club. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

TY TY LETS FLY

We know the tragedy Rabbitohs young gun Tyrone Munro has been subjected to this season, so it was great to see him enjoy a week on the other side of the spectrum.

Munro was named as the Provan-Summons Medal winner for this year at the Dally M Awards before turning out for Boomerangs Sports Club as they made it to the final eight.

JUST THE BEGINNING FOR BOURKE

The Bourke Warriors women showed they’re a force to be reckoned in the future after making the grand final in their first year.

They didn’t concede a try on their way to the grand final before ultimately falling to a strong Redfern side. They’ll be back with a vengeance next season.

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Cody Walker cheering on the Bundjalung Baygal Warriors. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

CODY’S POSITIVE INFLUENCE

While Cody Walker didn’t lace the boots up for Bundjalung this year, the Rabbitohs superstar was on hand to guide the U17s on their path to a grand final.

Having someone of his stature serves as the ultimate inspiration for the next generation of Indigenous talents in northern NSW.

ALDRIDGE BRINGS STORM TO WATERLOO

Logan Aldridge can lay claim to setting up the try of the tournament with an incredible 98m effort for Waterloo Storm Next Gen against Narrandera.

The fullback picked it up on his own 2m, slicing through the defence and racing the best part of 65 metres before handing off to Mathew Gifford to touch down in the corner and get the crowd on their feet.

CHEROKEE’S SHOW OF STRENGTH

Staying with Waterloo and it was Cherokee Burnett that proved the hero to score in golden point and give the Storm a win over Mindaribba in the U17s Girls grand final.

The powerhouse forward broke through six defenders to reach out and score one of the best individual tries of the weekend and lead her team to glory.

NRL STARS LEND HELPING HAND

Speaking of Walker, it was great to see plenty of NRL talents giving back while not necessarily playing.

Kotoni Staggs ran water for Nanima, Latrell and Shaq Mitchell gave a coaching hand for South Taree, Josh Addo-Carr was present with the Sydney All Blacks and Bradman Best was spotted cheering on the Yowies just days before his Australian call-up.

Combined Countries played in honour of the late TJ Dargan. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

COMBINED COUNTRIES HONOUR DARGAN

The tragic passing of TJ Dargan is still felt in the community, and Combined Countries paid the ultimate tribute by playing as a memorial team this year.

Scott Jones scored one of the most popular tries of the tournament, winning the game against Cabbage Tree Island with the final play of the game on Sunday.

LA PEROUSE’S JUNIOR DOMINANCE

The southern Sydney suburb of La Perouse is again at the forefront of the junior divisions with the Panthers taking out boys titles in U13s and U17s.

They made the second round of the U15s for good measure, giving a good indication they will be fired up to try and make it five-straight U17s titles next year.

BLACKTOWN’S ULTRA CONSISTENCY

The Blacktown Red Belly Warriors were among the clubs with the highest representation and they will be greatly encouraged by their results.

A strong league heartland, they entered six teams and made it to the final four in five divisions, a sign they are well on the right path.

Blacktown Red Belly Warriors performed strongly across the board. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

BROWNING BRILLIANCE LIGHTS UP MINDA

Tanesa Browning came up with one of the more spectacular tries of grand final day for Mindaribba in the U17s girls.

Amirah Dargan chipped over the top of the Waterloo defence and the ball took a sharp-right turn into the hands of Browning, who held onto it with her fingertips before getting her balance to score.

VETERANS STAND TALL FOR RAB

The next generation is coming through for Redfern in the women’s division, but it was a trio of established stars who helped change the game.

RAB ran in four unanswered tries to deny Bourke, with Bec Riley, Lavinia O’Mealey (nee Phillips) and Kyla Gordon providing some magic plays.

Bec Riley was a key influence for Redfern All Blacks. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

WILDCARD BROTHERS DISPLAY KO SPIRIT

Wildcard Brothers mightn’t have had the star power boasted by other teams, but what they had was an incredible spirit and love of footy.

The team featured players coming together, some at the very last moment, purely to get out there and have a run, and they certainly didn’t let each other down.

YOWIES FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

The Newcastle Yowies women were knocked out by eventual winners RAB in the first round, but their young girls went all the way.

They tasted success in the U15s division and were quite dominant from the opening match to concede just the one try across the weekend.