A former AFL cult hero was back in action for Rushworth on Saturday.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Against its old rival, Rushworth went back to the power of the Tip Rat to help secure an important victory.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Rushworth Football Netball Club is on a resurgent run this year.
The Tigers’ A-grade netball side has gone from a winless 2024 to a record of 8-1 in 2025.
Meanwhile, the senior football side has returned to the finals hunt and currently sits in sixth.
In round 10 of Kyabram District League football, Rushworth lined up against its fierce rival Stanhope.
At the time, the Tigers and Lions sat on a record of 4-4, with a win effectively an eight-point swing for the two clubs as they chase a feature in finals.
With a crucial victory up for grabs and it being a sponsors' day for the club, Rushworth coach Mark Wheatley — fresh off signing a new contract for 2026 — said the Tigers knew it was time to put a call in to his good mate and former St Kilda star Stephen “Tip Rat” Milne.
“We spoke about it a couple of weeks ago and (Milne) was like, ‘Yeah definitely; I can’t wait to come along and play and see the growth as well’,” Wheatley said.
“He is looking every bit of 45 (years old) these days and he didn’t have a great impact on the game, but he was coaching and his presence, obviously the crowd love him.
“Even after the game, Stanhope people and kids were getting photos with him and I was like, ‘This is why I love the guy so much’, he is a dear friend of mine."
Despite Milne not having the on-field impact that he did when he kicked five for the Tigers last season, Wheatley said he had helped Rushworth with its structure and tactics ahead of the ball.
“He played deep forward and didn’t creep too far out of the 50,” he said.
“I spoke to him about our forward set-ups. We are playing okay, but there is still something missing in my mind and he was able to pass on a bit of his knowledge and we will work on those things in the coming weeks.”
Milne (275 games and 574 goals for the Saints) didn't kick any goals for the Tigers at the weekend, but he played his role in a memorable 15-point win over the Lions.
Wheatley said Saturday’s victory was a big day for the club.
“(Stanhope) are eight minutes down the road,” he said.
“It has been 14 years since we beat them, it was back in 2011 in a preliminary final.
“Ever since then, they have had the wood over us.
“To get one up on the old enemy was nice I suppose, but they are a really good team and a good club and we really respect them.”
Former Shepparton United gun Ed Adams with his family prior to making his VFL debut on Saturday.
Up a grade — or two — in the VFL, former Shepparton United star Ed Adams made his debut for Essendon against Frankston on Saturday night.
After moving from the Goulburn Valley League to Grovedale in the Geelong League, Adams was rewarded with his maiden match for the Bombers.
Adams’ Essendon teammate Nic Quigg (affiliated with Seymour) performed well on the night, collecting 13 touches and four clearances.
St Kilda SSP signing and 2018 Shepparton premiership player Harry Boyd put his name forward for a recall to the AFL.
Playing for Sandringham against Collingwood, Boyd finished with 20 disposals, 25 hit-outs and 11 clearances in a strong showing.
Also playing in that game, for Collingwood, was Mansfield-linked Max Mahoney who collected 12 disposals and four marks.
Kyabram product Anthony Depasquale played for reigning premier Werribee against Williamstown, kicking a goal in his eighth VFL game for the year.
North Melbourne 2024 first-round draft pick and Shepparton native Matt Whitlock impressed in a thrilling one-point win over Carlton.
The tall defender had 15 disposals and seven marks, while Girgarre product and fellow Roo Brayden George kicked one goal, had six disposals and laid five tackles as he continued his return from two ACL injuries.
