The tale of Deniliquin Rovers’ reserves’ sky high percentage takes another twist

By Liam Nash

May 12, 2025

Deniliquin Rovers’ reserves produced another massive result against Berrigan, keeping their enormous win percentage intact. Photo by Rebecca Flisher

Just when we thought it couldn’t get crazier, the story of Deniliquin Rovers’ reserves keeps on delivering.

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Last week, it was brought to attention that the Rovers’ twos had embarked on a barnstorming run to start the season, winning their first three games of the Picola District Football League season by an eye-popping margin.

Points kicked: 435. Points conceded: one.

It equated to a whopping percentage of 43,500, making the side one of Victoria’s, if not Australia’s, statistically dominant teams across any code.

But this was thrown into major jeopardy as the then-third-placed Rovers approached their fourth task, taking on second-ranked Berrigan at the weekend.

Conceding even one goal would’ve nipped a zero off the blue and white machine’s eye-popping percentage, turning a giant figure into one that — let’s be honest — would’ve still been pretty impressive.

But no.

The Rovers had other ideas, holding the Saints scoreless in a 16.18 (114) to nil mauling at Memorial Park.

Deniliquin’s debonair troops boosted their already-colossal percentage to 54,900 in the process, providing another twist in one of footy’s best grassroots stories in 2025.

So far, 21 of the 33 players used by the Rovers’ reserves this season have kicked at least one goal, with Harry Turner leading the way with 15 majors.

The real heroes, however, are those without a digit on the goal-kicking column.

Full-back Dylan Mills, trusty as a 10mm spanner, has marshalled the Rovers’ almost-flawless defence alongside others such as Daniel Mison, Mitch Jefferies and Alex Rourke.

Stat-wise, it’s the best backline in the PDFL. Maybe even the world.

And when taking on third-placed Picola United this Saturday, this revolutionary Rovers side will front up and hope to bagel its opposition yet again.

Can lightning strike a fourth time, or will United put an end to this Rovers percentage odyssey?

We’ll certainly be tuning in to see what happens.