Sport

Junior Rovers perform before bye

By Contributed

May 21, 2026

Carter Sartore gets the ball on the run. Photos by Mel Sampson.

Thirds

With almost a full-strength team for the first time in a number of weeks, the boys took the field after a couple of very hard fought losses.

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What was positive to see was that the lessons from the previous week's defeats were put into practice, with the Rovers boys maintaining the pressure coach Wally Bulmer has been working towards all season.

Consistent tackling pressure and plenty of run and carry saw the team take a two goal to one lead in the first quarter.

The pressure and intensity was maintained and even increased in the second quarter and as a result of all the work coming together, the lads worked to their full potential, dominating scoring six majors and holding Picola to none.

In an awesome display of teamwork, there were six different goal kickers by half time.

It shows that the lads are not reliant on any one member and are playing for each other.

The second half was similar to the first, which had the lads increasing their lead with three goals to one in the third quarter and four goals to zero in the last, proving that all of their preseason work and efforts on the field is starting to come together and pay dividends.

Overall, there were eight different goal kickers with three goals from Thomas Ives and Liam Taylor, two from Lincon Meharry, Ryan Squires and Dannon Leetham and one each from Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson and Jacob Holton.

Best on field was difficult to pick this week, as every player responded to the coach’s request that everyone maintain a consistent 70 per cent, instead of 100 per cent one week and 30 per cent the next.

Awards went to Jacob Holton, who was also the tackle count leader, and Archer Moodie, Ryan Squires, Jobe Unwin, Haydn Sampson, Stuart Benger and Lincon Meharry.

A massive shoutout to the fourths lads who also stepped up to fill some critical gaps.

Final score: Deni Rovers 15.9 (99) def Picola United 2.1 (13).

Fourths

The fourth placed Rovers hosted sixth-placed Picola at Memorial Park, and produced a strong four-quarter performance to secure an impressive victory heading into the bye.

The Rovers made an excellent start, kicking 4.1 to nil in the opening term.

Taj McCully was dominant through the midfield, while Lucas Braybon controlled the ruck contests and gave his teammates first use of the football.

Carter Sartore was outstanding at centre halfback, and young guns Cormick Hardman and Jett Boyer caused the Picola defence plenty of headaches with their attack on the ball and forward pressure.

The Rovers maintained their strong teamwork and intensity across the remaining three quarters.

The backline, led by Angus Knuckey, Braxton Leetham and Mannix Taylor, continually repelled Picola’s forward entries and set up plenty of drive from defence.

Cormick Hardman finished with four goals in a standout performance up forward, while Ged O’Donnell added two majors.

It was a terrific all-round team display from the Rovers, with the win further cementing their place inside the top five heading into the bye.

Final score: Deni Rovers 9.11 (65) def Picola United 0.0 (0).