Major injury blow to star Sunraysia goalkicker

Wentworth’s chances of going one better in the Sunraysia league this season have been dealt a massive blow. See why.

Wentworth superstar Jarrod Brander is expected to miss most of the Sunraysia league season after being injured playing in the Northern Territory Football League summer competition.

Brander, who played at AFL level for West Coast and Greater Western Sydney, returned to his home league in 2023 and last year kicked 92 goals, including five in the grand final that Wentworth lost to Mildura Imperials by three points.

Brander was ranked sixth in The Weekly Times Top-50 players last year.

It’s understood Brander seriously injured his foot in the NTFL final round match.

He was playing for minor premier Southern Districts, which has a host of other Victorian Country players in its ranks including Nhill coach Jake McQueen, North Warrnambool’s Steven Motlop and Tom Clurey, who is returning to his original club Katamatite this year.

Jarrod Brander playing for Southern Districts this season where he kicked 17 goals from six matches. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media

Wentworth is coached by former Hawthorn and Sydney player Ben McGlynn.

“We’re devastated for Jarrod, as a team and our members, that the outcome of this injury appears to be long-term,” Wentworth president Phil Byrnes said.

“The club is ensuring we wrap our arms around Jarrod and support him throughout this challenging period including his recovery and rehabilitation.

“Jarrod was enjoying arguably his best pre-season to date.

“However (he) will now turn his attention to learning from Benny in the coaches box and also in an off-field leadership position which will no doubt have a meaningful and positive effect on teammates and the wider organisation.

“The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”

Sandhurst superstar Lachlan Tardrew has been in the best players four times from six matches for Nightcliff in the NTFL. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

Southern Districts play Nightcliff in this week’s NTFL second semi-final.

Nightcliff also features many Victorian Country stars including Sandhurst premiership pair Lachlan Tardrew and Fergus Greene, Wangaratta Rovers’ flag duo Brodie Filo and Tom Boyd and Morwell coach Boyd Bailey.