Kyabram District League: Daniel Harris stars in Rushworth return

A country footy club has gone from the brink of going into recess to their first win of 2021 with a former AFL midfielder starring.

Daniel Harris made a stunning return for Rushworth with six goals. Photo: Adam Head

The Harris family name will forever be imprinted on the Rushworth Football Netball Club.

On Saturday, perhaps the most famous chapter yet was written as the Kyabram District League club claimed their first win of the season.

But the 111-point thumping of 2019 runners-up Tallygaroopna meant so much more than the four points.

In late 2020, there was a real possibility the Tigers would go into recess for the 2021 season as it struggled to find a committee.

But a crisis meeting on November 18 was the saviour with locals stepping up to the plate.

Ian Harris was named president and he took on the role because “without one a club can’t function and I love this place”.

His decision to take on the added responsibility was the first step in a remarkable turnaround which peaked at the weekend.

Ian’s son Daniel, who played 160 AFL games for North Melbourne and Gold Coast, played his first game of the season and starred.

He booted six goals in a fairytale return.

“It’s fantastic to have him back at the club,” he said.

“Our coach Brett Pateman really wants him to pass on his experience to the guys in our group. Daniel was addressing them before and during the game and the boys couldn’t take their eyes off him.

“The on-field stuff is great but it’s the knowledge he can pass on which is critical for us.”

Harris, who fell just one short of playing 150 games for North, wasn’t the only recruit to impress at Ironbark Stadium either.

Kieran Malone, who once scored racked up 285 SuperCoach points for the Northern Knights in a TAC Cup game, was named the best player on the field in a performance which included a goal.

New faces Ed Bourke and Jackson Doyle also impressed.

Kieran Malone has impressed since joining Rushworth. Photo: Jason Sammon.

“Saturday’s team was probably the strongest team we can put out on the field,” Ian said.

“The win was for the club as a whole. To even play in round one was a massive victory for us as well.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting us to where we are but we know there is still a lot more to go.”

The Tigers will travel to take on the undefeated Lancaster in round 5.