Sunraysia football: Wentworth rising stars Tyler Tyers, Jack Gates, Rory Hooper, Ernie Johnson impress

With eight senior players out, it was the next generation who again stood up for Wentworth in the Sunraysia league. Meet the Roos’ rising stars.

George Gordon Oval, home of the Wentworth District Football Netball Club in the Sunraysia league.

For the second week in a row, the youth were the story in a Wentworth victory in the Sunraysia league.

Last weekend against Red Cliffs, the standouts included second-gamer Tyler Tyers, a duo of debutants in Jack Gates and Raghi Warren, plus emerging player Rory Hooper.

Wentworth coach Wade Hancock said in Saturday’s clash with Robinvale Euston the side was again full of youth, owing to eight senior players being out with injury.

It was a thriller but the Roos were able to secure a six-point win in front of the home George Gordon Oval fans.

Hancock said Gates impressed, Ernie Johnson kicked a goal in his first game, Hooper showed he was “extra special” and Tyers continued to play good football.

The coach said it demonstrated the side, which sits six points out of the top four in fifth spot, had strong depth.

“It’s really exciting to see these young guys play their role and it really makes those eight senior guys – including myself – really work to earn a spot,” he said.

Hancock said it was probably the team’s best win of the year, because of the list of outs.

Nick Jensen put in a strong performance in the ruck against the formidable Ethan Gill, while Nick and Jack Cottrell, Jordan McKinnon and Jack Carter again delivered.

Matt Cameron played well in his last game as a Roo before taking on a new job opportunity.

Down back, James Nunan did well to contain the Eagles’ talls.

“The reason were winning games is because we’ve got no passengers at the moment,” Hancock said.

“We’re playing the team game … everyone’s playing selfless football.”

Colby Mannix was named Robinvale Euston’s best.

Let’s take a look at who else impressed around the league.

Ryan Hards (Imperials)

In the weekend’s top four blockbuster, Imperials and Irymple traded momentum but it was the green and white that held their nerve the longest, securing a 17-point win.

Playing his first game in eight weeks, Ryan Hards quickly returned to being a key contributor.

A hamstring injury and lockdown restrictions preventing travel from Melbourne had kept him out, but he was back winning plenty of the ball off the wing and in the middle.

Harry Nolen also impressed on a wing, while Dave Hankin was again dangerous up forward.

Imps burst out of the blocks, kicking 4.6 (30) as they held the visitors scoreless in the first term.

But the Swallows had the match back to within three points at half time, before Imps again got away in the third.

When the Swallows made a final rally in the fourth quarter, Imps coach Brad Hards said his side’s discipline was a strength.

Hards said he was happy with the result but there was still “a fair bit to improve on” if they are to be ready for finals football.

Imps are in second spot on the ladder, two points behind Merbein with an additional game to play.

Irymple dropped to third spot after the loss, narrowly behind Imps on percentage but with one fewer game left to play.

Kofi Lord (Mildura)

Merbein’s undefeated start to the season was brought to a halt by Mildura, a side knocking on the door of the top four.

The Demons’ finals credentials were done no harm in a seesawing Kenny Park clash, holding on for an eight-point win.

Rising star Kofi Lord was named best for the victors, while Carmelo Lando, Noah Hills, Brodie Townsend, Josh Dean and Kane Dawson all played well.

The Demons are in sixth spot on the ladder.

Jackson McEwan (South Mildura)

South Mildura returned to the winners list, accounting for Red Cliffs by 48 points.

It was an entertaining contest, with the Tigers having their noses in front at the quarter time and half time breaks.

However, the Bulldogs were keen to turn things around after a tough fortnight, proving their fitness over four quarters by kicking away in the second half.

Goulburn Valley recruit Jackson McEwan, one of the league’s top players, was again prominent.

Ruckman Tyler Curtis also played well, while small forward Matthew Min’s seven goal haul was among the best returns in the weekend’s country footy action.

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