Sunraysia: Mildura ends Robinvale-Euston five-match winning streak

Mildura won only four matches last year, but is shaping as a flag contender under former Adelaide and Carlton player Sam Kerridge.

Mildura’s climb up the Sunraysia league ladder under first-year coach and former junior Sam Kerridge has gathered serious momentum with the scalp of previously undefeated Robinvale-Euston on Saturday.

Kerridge started his career with the Demons before being drafted by Adelaide in 2011 and making his AFL senior debut the following year.

He was traded to Carlton in 2015 and cemented a regular spot in the Blues line-up, playing 42 games in three seasons.

Sam Kerridge, left, representing Heathcote District league against Sunraysia in 2019 when he played for White Hills. Picture: Glenn Milne

After stints with other country clubs White Hills and Alexandra, Kerridge accepted the coaching job at Mildura despite the club winning only four games last year.

But the Demons have moved into second place with a 30-point win against Robinvale-Euston in a match they had the upper hand from the outset.

Kerridge said the “time was right” to return to Mildura.

“My parents are here and I’ve been a long time away from home,” he said.

“I always had an interest in coming back and I just felt the time was right.

“An added bonus of that was being able to coach Mildura.”

The Demons’ only loss has been to reigning premier Irymple and they are yet to play 2022 runner-up Wentworth, which also has a 4-1 record.

Sam Kerridge playing for Carlton against Essendon at the MCG in 2018. Pic: Michael Klein

Mildura was able to woo back exciting small forward Carmelo Lando, who didn’t play last season and previously kicked 114 goals in a season for Wentworth.

Jason Robinson is dominating across halfback in his first season for the Demons after being a regular with VFL club Werribee before Covid hit.

Kerridge is spending time in the midfield and up forward where he kicked three goals on Saturday.

“It’s always a good little confidence boost to show the boys we’re on the right track with what we’re trying to implement,” he said.

“It’s only round 6 and we’re keeping a lid on things.

“We’ve got to regroup now with a big challenge against Red Cliffs this week.”

Sam Kerridge played 42 matches for the Blues. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

Robinvale-Euston lost the elimination final last year to Ouyen United and had rolled Irymple in its early season winning streak.

The Eagles’ Isaiah Johnson has been league’s dominant forward this season with 29 goals in the first five games, including eight in the season opener against Wentworth, but Mildura’s defence restricted him to only two.

The Eagles have one of the highest point players in the state, Isaac Corvo, who is seven-pointer after joining the club from Finley this season.