Omeo District Football Netball League “boom side” Bruthen has signalled a new era, overcoming reigning premier Omeo Benambra by 42 points at the Omeo Recreation Reserve in round one.
While the Alpine Ranges — winners of the past two premierships — won’t be panicking given several key players are expected to return shortly, the new-look Bulldogs have officially thrown down the gauntlet. Boasting high-profile recruits Dylan Somerville, Brendan Flinn, Lucas Lakey, Nicholas Ward, Jake Keown, and Dylan Doecke, Bruthen looked every bit the 2026 contender.
Somerville wasted no time showcasing his range, slotting a goal from 70 metres with the breeze in the opening term. The first half remained an entertaining contest; the Alpine Ranges controlled the stoppages to drive the ball forward, but Bruthen’s back six — led by Will Matthews, Mitchell Clague, and Richard Harrison — stood firm.
For the home side, Darcy Fenning-Chester and Riley Steenholdt worked tirelessly in defense. Interestingly, Steenholdt spent the final three quarters as a forward as the Ranges
struggled to find a consistent target. At the other end, the Bulldogs thrived in open space, using the elite kicking of Somerville, Flinn, and Harley Kenner to transition quickly. While Ethan Hubbard (two goals) was a primary target, recent league-leading goalkicker Jirra Moffat played a more versatile role higher up the ground.
The midfield battle was intense. Jai Hayward, Brady Pendergast, and Brandon Betts initially won plenty of the ball for the Ranges, while Jacob Tomkins excelled as an in-and-under player. However, the course of the match shifted after halftime.
Following some key positional changes — and a possible injury to Pendergast — Bruthen exploded with a seven-goal-to-two third term.
Lucas Lakey moved into the ruck full-time, regularly finding co-coach Jan Cabaybay (two goals) at the stoppages. Kenner (three goals), Ray Giddings, and Ward began to dictate play, while Keown moved forward to
replace Hubbard, spark the Bulldogs, and bag three majors for the term.
Omeo stuck to the task in the final quarter, but the damage was done in the “premiership” term. Under the coaching of Cabaybay and Matt Arnold, Bruthen emerged as impressive victors. Matthews was outstanding for the winners, joined in the best by Kenner, Lakey, and Somerville. Hayward was equally impressive in his return for the Ranges, supported well by Brent Hartnell, Hudson Collins (three goals), and debutant Tarquin Crosby.
