Rushworth falls short of stunning Murchison-Toolamba in Kyabram District league

Rushworth were one quarter away from ending one of the longest unbeaten runs in country footy. The club reveals how it has fought back from adversity to put themselves in the window for a finals spot for the first time in 13 years.

Rushworth celebrates a goal against the reigning premiers. Picture: Angela McKinley.

The hard work restoring Rushworth’s senior side in the Kyabram District league has not only paid off according to its president but almost ended a juggernaut’s run.

Murchison Toolamba’s 23-game unbeaten run almost came to an end on Saturday against the Tigers.

A six-goal third term put Rushworth up at the final change by five points after being 25 points down at half time.

Rushworth was on track for the upset until the Hoppers held firm in the final quarter, winning by nine points 14.10 (94) to 13.7 (85), with James and Aiden Lloyd combining for 11 goals.

While it might have been a loss for Rushworth the result felt like a win after troubled times.

In 2023, the seniors sat on the sidelines, and at one stage the club almost folded before the Tigers rallied and worked hard to bring the team back last year.

Rushworth captain Liam Francis kicks the ball forward. Picture: Angela McKinley.

Five senior wins followed in 2024 and the Tigers sit on two wins this season as it looks to make finals for the first time since 2012.

“We’ve definitely taken another step,” Tigers president Regan Hanson said.

“It’s come through hard work and our coach (Mark Wheatley) is one of the best going around in the area, let alone the league.

“He’s put the time into the players and the players have put the time into him and the club.”

Hanson said the results were showing and a new standard is being set.

“I was just really proud of the whole group,” he said.

“A lot of people would have had us written off before the game started. But we can match it with the best sides and that’s the benchmark of what we can play at.

“We’re mindful we have a young and developing list, there will be ebbs and flows. We have 18 players under 22 years old.

“We understand we are still learning and developing.”

Rushworth's Liam Adlington takes a strong mark over his opponent. Picture: Angela McKinley.

Hanson said he’d “be rapt” if the side made finals but the focus was much larger than that.

It’s all about having Rushworth be successful and part of the community.

“We tried to invigorate the football from the ground up,” Hanson said.

“We’ve put a big emphasis on our junior program. We’ve got under-10s going now, Auskick and under-18s back.

“We really wanted to put an emphasis on the community in as many things as we can. To try to get the community back involved with us.

“From a club point of view the aim is to put the club into a position that it can be successful for the future.

“We just want the club and the people that are playing in it to feel we are competitive. We want the community to feel we are competitive.”

Rushworth takes on bottom-place Merrigum this Saturday.