Koori Knockout 2024: We rate our favourite moments from this year’s edition in Bathurst
The Koori Knockout provided a number of incredible highlights to remember from the four-day footy extravaganza in Bathurst. We look at our 15 top moments from the weekend.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Koori Knockout might be done and dusted for another year, but there were moments that will live on well past the event.
We take a look back at the weekend that was with some of our favourite moments from the 2024 Koori Knockout in Bathurst.
DENNIS TURNS BACK THE CLOCK
At the spritely age of 47, the man many refer to as the GOAT of the Knockout in Dennis Moran was on deck to steer the Narwan Eels around the park.
He’s given plenty back to the Knockout over the years and remains a fan favourite among the younger and older generations.
NANIMA’S BUILDING BLOCKS
You could tell how raw it was for Nanima Common Connection’s Justin Toomey-White speaking on stage after their grand final loss to Walgett.
He spoke with emotion and it’s obvious how much the loss meant, but this will serve as incredible motivation for them to run it back and go one better in 2025.
TY TY LETS FLY
We know the tragedy Rabbitohs young gun Tyrone Munro has been subjected to this season, so it was great to see him enjoy a week on the other side of the spectrum.
Munro was named as the Provan-Summons Medal winner for this year at the Dally M Awards before turning out for Boomerangs Sports Club as they made it to the final eight.
JUST THE BEGINNING FOR BOURKE
The Bourke Warriors women showed they’re a force to be reckoned in the future after making the grand final in their first year.
They didn’t concede a try on their way to the grand final before ultimately falling to a strong Redfern side. They’ll be back with a vengeance next season.
CODY’S POSITIVE INFLUENCE
While Cody Walker didn’t lace the boots up for Bundjalung this year, the Rabbitohs superstar was on hand to guide the U17s on their path to a grand final.
Having someone of his stature serves as the ultimate inspiration for the next generation of Indigenous talents in northern NSW.
ALDRIDGE BRINGS STORM TO WATERLOO
Logan Aldridge can lay claim to setting up the try of the tournament with an incredible 98m effort for Waterloo Storm Next Gen against Narrandera.
The fullback picked it up on his own 2m, slicing through the defence and racing the best part of 65 metres before handing off to Mathew Gifford to touch down in the corner and get the crowd on their feet.
CHEROKEE’S SHOW OF STRENGTH
Staying with Waterloo and it was Cherokee Burnett that proved the hero to score in golden point and give the Storm a win over Mindaribba in the U17s Girls grand final.
The powerhouse forward broke through six defenders to reach out and score one of the best individual tries of the weekend and lead her team to glory.
NRL STARS LEND HELPING HAND
Speaking of Walker, it was great to see plenty of NRL talents giving back while not necessarily playing.
Kotoni Staggs ran water for Nanima, Latrell and Shaq Mitchell gave a coaching hand for South Taree, Josh Addo-Carr was present with the Sydney All Blacks and Bradman Best was spotted cheering on the Yowies just days before his Australian call-up.
COMBINED COUNTRIES HONOUR DARGAN
The tragic passing of TJ Dargan is still felt in the community, and Combined Countries paid the ultimate tribute by playing as a memorial team this year.
Scott Jones scored one of the most popular tries of the tournament, winning the game against Cabbage Tree Island with the final play of the game on Sunday.
LA PEROUSE’S JUNIOR DOMINANCE
The southern Sydney suburb of La Perouse is again at the forefront of the junior divisions with the Panthers taking out boys titles in U13s and U17s.
They made the second round of the U15s for good measure, giving a good indication they will be fired up to try and make it five-straight U17s titles next year.
BLACKTOWN’S ULTRA CONSISTENCY
The Blacktown Red Belly Warriors were among the clubs with the highest representation and they will be greatly encouraged by their results.
A strong league heartland, they entered six teams and made it to the final four in five divisions, a sign they are well on the right path.
BROWNING BRILLIANCE LIGHTS UP MINDA
Tanesa Browning came up with one of the more spectacular tries of grand final day for Mindaribba in the U17s girls.
Amirah Dargan chipped over the top of the Waterloo defence and the ball took a sharp-right turn into the hands of Browning, who held onto it with her fingertips before getting her balance to score.
VETERANS STAND TALL FOR RAB
The next generation is coming through for Redfern in the women’s division, but it was a trio of established stars who helped change the game.
RAB ran in four unanswered tries to deny Bourke, with Bec Riley, Lavinia O’Mealey (nee Phillips) and Kyla Gordon providing some magic plays.
WILDCARD BROTHERS DISPLAY KO SPIRIT
Wildcard Brothers mightn’t have had the star power boasted by other teams, but what they had was an incredible spirit and love of footy.
The team featured players coming together, some at the very last moment, purely to get out there and have a run, and they certainly didn’t let each other down.
YOWIES FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT
The Newcastle Yowies women were knocked out by eventual winners RAB in the first round, but their young girls went all the way.
They tasted success in the U15s division and were quite dominant from the opening match to concede just the one try across the weekend.
Originally published as Koori Knockout 2024: We rate our favourite moments from this year’s edition in Bathurst
‘Unthinkable’ reason behind Mal bloodbath
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga shocked the game when he pulled out his axe, but the situation is even uglier beneath the surface.
AFL rival’s bold plan to poach Swans star
While an AFL rival expects a star Swans midfielder to see out his contract at Sydney, the club says it will “certainly monitor the situation”.
Latrell brilliance guides Walgett to back-to-back Koori Knockout wins
Walgett boasted a star studded side with a former Dally M winner, but it’s an incoming Brisbane Broncos recruit that made the most noise as WAC made it back-to-back Koori Knockout wins.
Student with dwarfism banned from running
A strict new rule means the champion runner can no longer compete.
Koori Knockout: RAB women prevail, junior results, photo gallery
The Redfern All Blacks have produced a stellar second half to claim the women’s division of the Koori Knockout. Catch up on every junior grand final result PLUS our day four photo gallery.
Inside AFL’s draft combine: See the standouts, surprise packet
Draft hopefuls for both the AFL and AFLW were put to the test at this year’s combine, with one Victorian key forward producing a stunning 20m sprint. See the results and more here.