The Dees exploded out of the blocks, slamming home eight goals in a relentless opening term. Their pressure around the ball and ability to move it quickly through the middle saw Rennie struggle to gain any foothold.
Jerilderie led by a commanding 45 points at the first break: 8.3 (51) to 1.0 (6).
Rennie lifted their work rate in the second quarter, finding more fluency forward and kicking four goals. But Jerilderie maintained composure and continued to hit the scoreboard efficiently, stretching their lead to 42 points at halftime: 12.4 (76) to 5.4 (34).
The Dees reasserted themselves after the main break, tightening their defensive structures and going forward with precision. Rennie were kept goalless as Jerilderie extended the lead to 63 points by three-quarter time: 16.4 (100) to 5.7 (37).
With the game well in hand, Jerilderie finished strongly, adding another six goals in the final term. The Dees’ pressure never wavered, and their spread from the contest overwhelmed Rennie’s tiring legs.
The final siren confirmed a ruthless 22.12 (144) to 6.9 (45) victory.
Sam Harrington was unstoppable up forward, booting a season-best seven goals in a powerful display. He was strong in the air and clean at ground level, proving a nightmare matchup all day.
Zye Treadway was immense around the ground, working tirelessly both aerially and at the coalface. His contested efforts and second efforts helped set the tone for Jerilderie’s midfield dominance.
Cam O’Brien was rock solid in defence, reading the play beautifully and launching repeated rebounds. His intercept work and composure under pressure were key in turning defence into attack.
With the win, Jerilderie continues to build momentum heading into the pointy end of the season.
Final score: Jerilderie 22.12 (144) def Rennie 6.9 (45).
Reserves
What started as a bare-bones line-up turned into a heartwarming and entertaining game of country footy for the reserves on Saturday.
With numbers looking grim early in the day, it was touch and go whether a team could even be fielded. But, as often happens in bush footy, a few last-minute phone calls, a couple of ‘just in case’ sets of boots pulled from car boots, and the power of community spirit turned things around.
Miraculously, the reserves not only took to the field but came out firing, leading at quarter time and putting on an impressive display of grit and enthusiasm. The early lead got the crowd buzzing, with some fast ball movement and good talk around the contest showing that sometimes it’s not about preparation — it’s about passion.
Unfortunately, the team’s depth was tested again when a handful of players were called up to the seniors to fill spots there. But those who remained didn’t let the scoreboard dictate their enjoyment.
While the final result didn’t swing the Dees’ way, there was no shortage of smiles, laughs, and good old-fashioned footy spirit. Adding to the magic of the day was a father-son pairing (and a couple of ‘nearly’ ones) taking the field side by side — a reminder that this game is as much about legacy as it is about results.
In the end, it wasn’t just a game, it was a celebration of what footy in the country is all about: showing up, giving it a crack, and having a good time while doing it.
Final score: Rennie 11.8 (74) def Jerilderie 2.7 (19).
Awards: Frazer Pinnuck, Tex Flack, Harrison Curtin, Ben Barlow.
Under-14s
This week saw the fourths hit the road to take on Rennie in what was shaping up to be a crucial clash for the team’s finals aspirations.
Rennie came out strong from the first bounce, dominating early possession and piling on scoreboard pressure with nine unanswered goals in the opening half.
Despite their best efforts, the Dees found themselves on the back foot against a fast-moving and well-structured opposition.
A real turning point came at half-time with the addition of three girls who backed up after their netball games. Their energy and effort helped swing some momentum Jerilderie’s way.
The team responded brilliantly, lifting across the ground to hold Rennie to just two goals in the third quarter while also kicking one.
In the final term, Rennie again showcased their polished ball movement, adding four more goals. However, the Dees continued to fight hard and were rewarded with two goals.
The defensive structures tightened, and the commitment to slowing down Rennie’s free-flowing play was a highlight. While the final result wasn’t in the Dees’ favour, the determination, resilience, and team spirit on display was something to be proud of. Every player stood tall, and their efforts reflected the pride they have in the jumper.
Final score: Rennie 15.4 (94) def Jerilderie 3.1 (19).
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