Murray League: VFL star Jack Henderson returns to Deniliquin

A Werribee VFL star shone in his long awaited homecoming while an ex-AFL star had a massive impact all the way from Melbourne.

Jack Henderson starred for Deniliquin on his homecoming. Picture: Alison Wynd

Supporters of the Deniliquin Rams always knew Jack Henderson had talent as a junior, but now they’ve seen him at the peak of his powers.

The 22-year-old returned to the NSW country club on Saturday in a one-off appearance against local rivals Finley in the Murray League.

And the large crowd in attendance won’t be forgetting what they saw anytime soon.

Henderson produced a devastating best on ground display with six goals as the Rams ran out 96-point winners.

Rams coach Sam Hall said it was an absolute pleasure to have Henderson, who plays for Werribee in the VFL, in his side for the afternoon.

“Jack put on a show,” he said.

“A lot of people haven’t seen a lot of him since his junior days because he has gone onto have great success down in Melbourne so far.

“He was really excited to be out there and for him to perform like he did was just a bonus. His ability in the air and on the ground is outstanding.

“We all hope he has a big back half of the season in the VFL now.”

Since the start of the pandemic last year, Henderson has spent a lot of time training with his home club and Hall said his knowledge has been a welcome addition.

“The goal was to play at least one game when he got the chance,” Hall said.

“Jack still has a lot of good mates in the senior side and to play a game with them is something I’m sure he’ll never forget.”

Henderson was hoping to play alongside former Richmond forward Sam Lloyd, who played in his own return game in the opening game of the season.

But travel restrictions on people living in Melbourne meant he wasn’t able to make the trick.

“Sam was disappointed he couldn’t play because he’s been looking forward to getting out with the boys again,” Hall said.

“He targeted the second game against Finley because he is such good mates with Jack.”

Lloyd still had a massive impact on the clash though as he helped the Rams recruit his Bundoora teammate Luke Collins and Montmorency’s Jai Robinson for the day.

The pair had a massive impact as they were both named in the best as Collins booted three goals.

“They were an absolute pleasure to work with,” Hall said.

“Both boys live outside of Melbourne and were looking for a game of footy. They really helped us out because we’ve got about 10 guys out of our senior side at the moment.

“The club has done a terrific job to field a reserves side every week and everyone was on board getting those boys involved for the day.

“We’re very appreciative they helped us out.”

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