Country footy: Jarryd Roughead and Bob Murphy, Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker

The regions were full of ex-AFL stars putting on a show, including a premiership Hawk, and a high-flying former Olympic gold medallist.

Former AFL players Jarryd Roughead and Bob Murphy lined up for Inverloch-Kongwak in the West Gippsland league on Saturday.

Star power has helped secure a win for Inverloch-Kongwak in the West Gippsland league — and the club’s biggest home crowd ever.

Former Hawthorn premiership player Jarryd Roughead and ex-Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy each suited up for the Sea Eagles against Tooradin-Dalmore on Saturday.

Roughead’s four goals, including one from a big mark towards the end of the close contest, gave the fans at Inverloch Recreation Reserve plenty to cheer about.

After plying his trade as a defender at AFL level, Murphy even got to spend some time up forward at the start of the match.

Inverloch-Kongwak prevailed by 12 points, 12.6 (88) to 11.10 (76).

It put the side back on track after a tough three-point loss in round 1 against Cora Lynn.

Inverloch-Kongwak president Peter Butcher said the “massive” crowd was the biggest the club had seen for a home game.

Star power helped attract a big crowd Inverloch-Kongwak's home game against Tooradin-Dalmore.

Butcher said a big attendance early in the season helped set up the year off the field, but Roughead and Murphy helped provide an on-field impact too.

“They were terrific, just to have their experience on the ground and directing the young kids, because we’re a very young side,” Butcher said.

Roughead’s brother Cameron plays for the Sea Eagles, giving them a chance to play their first senior match together.

Murphy’s brother-in-law Ben Soumilas is the coach.

Butcher said the AFL champs have done sportsman nights at the club before and we happy to give back.

“We’re very fortunate to have guys like that,” he said.

Butcher said Roughead may play some more games this season, including “potentially this Saturday” away to Korumburra-Bena.

Former AFL star, Olympic gold medallist on show in northern Victoria

Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker played his first game for Ardmona on Saturday.

Steve Hooker may have made his name as an Olympian, winning gold in Beijing in the pole vault in 2008, but on Saturday he showed off his footballing ability.

The 38-year-old played his first game for Ardmona in the Kyabram District League, who are being coached by Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford.

Despite the 124-point loss to Girgarre, Hooker showed off plenty of ability as he booted a goal in the third term — a smart snap from the boundary.

He was also named among the Bush Cats’ better players.

There are rumours doing the rounds Crawford may even pull on the boots for a country comeback.

The game was also a special occasion for Girgarre who handed senior debuts to five players including two under 18s.

One of those included Michael Turpin, who is a third generation footballer for the club.

Meanwhile, former Brisbane and Gold Coast star Jared Brennan pulled on the boots for Violet Town for the first time.

Brennan was named among the best as his side went down to Avenel by three points in a thrilling contest.

Former Fremantle forward Josh Mellington kicked four.

A big bag in the Picola and District League

Katandra have made an impressive start upon their return to the competition this season with two big wins to start their season.

Corey Hickford was the man who enjoyed Saturday’s 207-point demolition the most with 13 goals.

It now takes his season tally to 18 after he booted five in the opening round against Deniliquin Rovers.

From easy beats to round one winners

In 2019, Mininera and District clubs would have them pencilled them in for easy wins against the Ararat Eagles but that is no longer the case.

The Eagles took the first steps in their remarkable turnaround after defeating Lismore Derrinallum by 44 points.

The last time the two sides played Lismore Derrinallum won by 327 points.

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