Sport
10 April, 2026
Rutley buoyed after huge practice wins
TWO BIG practice match wins have Boort coach Andrew Rutley buoyant about the Magpies’ prospects in 2026.
Boort beat Maiden Gully by six goals on Saturday in a five-quarter hit out, a week after defeating new Loddon Valley team Macorna by 10 goals.
Due to limited player numbers, the planned seniors and reserves matches were converted into a five-quarter match with senior and Under 17 players on the field.
“We only had 28 players available this weekend; most of our Melbourne boys didn’t play,” Rutley said.
“But it was good to get some miles in the legs and to work on game plans.”
Of the returning players, Rutley was most impressed with Carlos Egan, who was played in the midfield and off half-back, a position he has never played before. “He hunts the ball and loves to tackle and runs both ways,” Rutley said.
Youngsters Cooper Gooding and Brodie McPherson showed the coach why they will likely be fixtures in the senior side this year after fine junior careers.
“Brodie played through the midfield, and he’s a see-ball-get-ball player,” Rutley said.
The four Melbourne recruits played in the first match against Macorna, with 19-year-old forward Jackson Daley kicking six goals straight.
Mid-forward Danko Bzenic, a former VFL player with Richmond, was another standout against the Tigers.
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