A young Deniliquin Rams senior football side fought hard to the final siren, but fell 17 points short against a strong Mulwala side.
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Deni started brilliantly, taking a four-goal lead into half time through exciting ball movement and strong pressure.
Mulwala responded after the break as momentum swung their way, but the new-look 2026 Rams refused to give in and battled right to the end.
Up forward, Brayden Hall - in a cameo appearance, which I'm sure the Rams would love to make permanent - and Brett MacDonald provided strong targets, with young super-sub Charlie McCallum bagging his first major in senior football.
Will Henderson, Charlie Hillier, Duncan Hughes and Miller Fitzpatrick were influential through the middle, with support from ruckmen Ben East and Steve Todd.
Down back, Cable Fitzpatrick, Logan Leiper, Tom McCallum and Harry Hillier worked tirelessly under pressure.
With several players set to return, the Rams look close to getting back on the winner’s list if they maintain the same effort and determination.
Final score: Deni Rams 7.9 (51) def by Mulwala 10.8. (68).
Goals: B Hall 3, C McCallum, C Hillier, L Leiper, W Henderson.
Best: W Henderson, C Hillier, C Fitzpatrick, C McCallum, H Hillier, M Macdonald.
Reserves
No report supplied.
Final score: Deni Rams 1.2 (8) def by Mulwala 19.20 (134).
Goals: B Knight.
Best: J Cavallaro, Z Thompson, B Thomas, L Marshall, I Suckling, S Cowley.
Thirds
The under-17s faced a strong Mulwala outfit in round eight.
Despite the result, the Rams showed plenty of determination and effort across all four quarters, with the boys continuing to compete hard around the contest.
There were several encouraging passages of play as the side worked tirelessly against quality opposition.
The coach was pleased with the effort in playing right to the final siren.
Top agers Matt Pitt, Spencer Cowley and Charlie McCallum were all recognised for their strong contributions and commitment to the team effort.
The Rams will take plenty of positives from the match as they continue to develop throughout the season.
Final score: Deni Rams 6.2 (38) def by Mulwala 12.8 (80).
Goals: S Cowley 2, L Elphick, B Hardman, T Rothe, J Ives.
Awards: M Pitt, S Cowley, C McCallum, L Elphick, T Way, O Ives.
Fourths
The under-14s bounced back strongly after last week’s loss, with a convincing 63-point win over Mulwala.
The Rams controlled the game from the opening bounce, with strong pressure and clean ball movement across the ground.
Angus Henderson and Rocky Sztejman were outstanding in the midfield, while Jaxon Rothe and Henry Pisasale each kicked two goals in an impressive forward display.
Tom Dudley and Jono Moorse were solid in defence, intercepting well and limiting Mulwala’s opportunities.
It was a much-improved four-quarter effort from the Rams, showing great teamwork and determination to return to the winners list.
Final score: Deni Rams 10.11 (71) def Mulwala 1.2 (8).
Goals: J Rothe 2, H Pisasale 2, G Burge 2, L Tritton, A Munro, N Wettenhall, A Henderson.
Awards: A Henderson, H Pisasale, J Moorse, T Dudley, R Maslen.
Goulburn Murray Junior League
Under-12s
The Rams produced a terrific team performance to defeat the Rochester Tigers in an impressive showing.
Deni controlled the contest with strong pressure, disciplined teamwork and plenty of run across the ground.
After trailing at the end of the first quarter, Deni’s consistent effort and strong defensive line proved the difference in the 22-point win.
Zac Germano led the way in front of goal with two majors, while Harrison Leetham and Oli Hall added one each.
Final score: Deni Rams 4.6 (30) def Rochester 1.2 (8).
Awards: N Hussey, N Campbell, O Hall and J Dellwo
Under-10s
Another strong effort from the under-10s, with the team listening well and taking on feedback to ensure everyone was involved across four solid quarters.
It was some of the youngest players in the side who showed great skill and determination this week, with Sam Browne and Billy Duggan going in hard and applying tough pressure all game.
Jax Hall and Luca Sztejman delivered stellar performances, continuing to show their growth with defensive pressure and impressive accuracy around goals.
Well done to the entire team on another standout performance.
Final score: Not scored.
Goals: B Cabral 4, W Eastman 3, L Sztejman, A Parsons, G Pisasale, J Hall, L Robson, G Smith.
Awards: S Browne, B Duggan, J Hall and L Sztejman.