Mick Barnett was Deniliquin’s best-and-fairest in 2025.
Local trots trainers enjoyed wins at last Friday’s Swan Hill meeting.
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Kyabram’s Mark Watson produced the lightly raced pacer Totally Stunning for an easy win, while Stanhope mentor Gary Pekin racked up another win with veteran pacer Cresco Threepeat.
Driven by Jack Laugher, it was Totalling Stunning’s first win in 11 tries, and it was a popular success as he was an odds-on chance.
Nine-year-old pacer Cresco Threepeat saluted for the 24th time with his win by a short half head.
Damian Wilson was in the sulky for the win.
As well as his 18 wins, the nine-year-old gelding by Blissfull Hall has been runner-up 18 times and third on 22 occasions from his 170 starts.
The hardy pacer was bred and is owned by the trainer’s wife Jane so it’s a real family affair.
Remembering Barry Linford
Received this note from former Rushworthite and author Alan McLean last week in which he shares a memory of the late Stanhope sportsman Barry Linford.
Alan writes:
In February 1972, I nicked off from the second week of my Form Six year at Rushworth High School to represent the Kyabram District Cricket Association at Melbourne Country Week.
(My absence from school was noticed. Only seven of us did Form Six that year!)
I shared a room at Lygon Lodge in Carlton with Barry Linford and the late Ian Haw, me being the youngest, parked on a stretcher bed that was brought into the room.
Others I recall in the squad were Bruce Minns, Alan Glover, Alec Ranson and possibly Freddo McMahon.
John Wallis (aged about 36) and I opened the batting on day one at Coburg against Francis Border, an association in far west Victoria.
John made 100, and I got a few, passing the opposition without the loss of a wicket. Those stats are in KDCA historian Trevor Stone’s figures at the back of his book on the KDCA
It was good fun sharing with Barry and with Ian, whom I knew well, being two years ahead of me at Rushworth High.
Rest in peace Barry Linford.
Cheers,
Alan McLean
Saints looking towards holy land
Benalla is looking to make a move this season, with several new signings linking up with the Saints. Photo: Bruce Povey.
Benalla Football Club is loading up for a big 2026 GVL season with a recruiting spree.
New non-playing coach Nick Pearson has already lured 198cm (6ft 6in.) forward Mick Vasterink to join this year’s leading GVL goalkicker Nathan Wright.
Vasterink has won five club best-and-fairest awards as a ruckman in competitions on the Gold Coast and was switched to a key forward role three seasons ago, where he became a matchwinner and picked up another best-and-fairest award.
The Saints have also added Rockhampton Panthers hardnut Travis Young to their ranks to add to their engine room grunt.
New coach, Gippsland raised Nick Pearson, will also be in the spotlight with his coaching credentials, which include stints with Brisbane reserves, Carrara, Morningside and Pacific Pines across the Gold Coast area.
Top Rams honoured
Mick Barnett has taken out Murray Football League club Deniliquin Rams’ best-and-fairest award for the Murray Football League’s 2025 season.
Runner-up was Will Henderson.
Ella Harvey took the top award for the netballers.
Tigers’ boss goes out on top
Katamatite coach James Hazelman (left) is departing Katamatite after claiming a famous premiership with the Tigers this year. Photo: Megan Fisher.
This year’s Picola Football League premiership coach James Hazelman won’t be seeking more flag glory next season.
He has stepped down as coach after three seasons and has been replaced by ex-AFL player and hometown product Tom Clurey and Patrick Riordan as joint coaches.
Katamatite pulled off a stunning recent flag win under Hazelman, defeating the previously undefeated league powerhouse Waaia in the season decider.
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