Sports reports: Ramblers’ Neil Button inducted into SA Football Hall of Fame

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Former Ramblers and Norwood footballer Neil Button has been inducted into the SA Football Hall of Fame at a glittering ceremony in Adelaide this week.

Button was recruited from Ramblers in 1970 and played his first SANFL games in 1971 for Norwood, playing primarily as a ruckman.

He would finish his league career in 1985 at centre half-forward.

He played 283 games and kicked 168 goals in that time and, due to his size and playing style, was affectionately known as "Bear" by the faithful.

He played in premiership-winning sides in 1975, 1978 and 1982; represented South Australia nine times; and made the All-Australian All Stars in 1972.

Among other honours, he was named as centre half forward in Norwood’s official team of the 20th century and was inducted as an SANFL player life member in 1981.

In a social media post, the Rambler Football Club said Button's induction was an outstanding and well deserved honour.

"Powerfully built and strong overhead, it was Neil’s clever use of his body that allowed him to compete against much taller ruckmen," the club said.

"(This is) a wonderful recognition of an outstanding football career and Neil’s contribution to South Australian football."

• Watch his career highlights: www.youtube.com.

River Murray's top netballers celebrated ahead of grand final

At a glittering ceremony on Monday night at the Bridgeport Hotel, the region's best netballers were named for the 2026 season.

This included a range of individual and club awards, including the prestigious Joylene Crouch Team of the Year: goalers Casey DeMichele (Imperials), Ally Dunstan and Emily Richardson (Coorong); midcourters Olivia Nichols and Georgia Dent (Coorong), Kelsey Gepp and Ava Lindner (Mypolonga); and defenders Lucy Harkness (Imperials), Shaylean Paech (Mallee) and Lucy Dow (Coorong).

Best and fairest recipients included:

• A grade: Georgia Dent (Coorong), runner-up Casey DeMichele (Imperials)
• A reserve: Crystal Berling (Imperials), runner-up Kellie McGorman (Mannum)
• B grade: Laura Berling (Imperials), runner-up Molly Mawson (Ramblers)
• B reserve: Katrina Jones (Imperials), runner-up Isabelle Moyle (Southern Mallee)
• C grade: Jacinta Clark (Mypolonga), runner-up Bridget O'Driscoll (Southern Mallee)

Umpires, clubs, coaches and volunteers were also recognised for their contributions across the sport:

• Most successful club: Mypolonga
• Joylene Crouch Coach of the Year: Georgie Dent (Coorong Cats)
• Umpire of the year: Penny Fielke
• Best senior club: Mannum
• Rhianon Wait Developing Umpire Award: Kaylee Schellen (Mannum)

There was also recognition for stalwarts including Kellie McGorman, who has played 350 senior games for Mannum; Jo Flett, who has played 300 for Jervois; and three players who have suited up 250 times for their clubs: Emma Paterson from Ramblers, Lauren Nolan from Mypolonga and Lauren Jeffrey from Mypolonga.

The 2026 season will conclude on Saturday with all netball grand finals being played at Mypolonga.

The A-grade match, starting at 3.20pm, will feature the top two teams of the season renewing their rivalry: Imperials v Coorong Cats.

Garth Dodd wins on a brutal day for golf at the Bridge

A very hardy 94 souls have braved the treacherous conditions at Ritter Street on Saturday as wild gusting winds wreaked havoc on the course throughout the day.

The show went on, however, and tough as nails golfer Garth Dodd, aided by a few swigs of his port filled hip flask, played out of his skin to win the stroke competition with a brilliant one-under-handicap nett 69.

With branches falling and trees splitting in half, not to mention all of the tree nuts making several greens near unplayable, Dodd ground out a superb round to edge out teenager Levi Ashton on count back.

His marvelous nett 32 back nine also won him the prestigious pro comp, also on countback, to make it a really good day for the larrikin C-grader.

With many players deciding to pull out deeming it either too dangerous to continue or disqualifying themselves for lost balls or for other rule infringements, it was a real battle of attrition.

Those who scored nett 76, or six shots worse than their handicap, received a prize, which is rare air indeed.

One worthy of mention was Ashton, who led for most of the day with his stunning nett 69 only to be nabbed on the post by Dodd.

He also was only inches away from scoring a hole in one on the tough par three 17th – so close to a really big day but he was at least the A-grade winner.

Echunga vistor Mark Lane was the only other player to match his handicap in scoring a nett 70 to claim B-grade honours.

News of several players five-putting some holes was not totally surprising.

It must have been demoralising, though, for one unnamed player to be putting for birdie on the straightforward par three 11th only to finish with a triple bogey six – a testing day for all concerned.   

It will surely be far nicer this weekend when a Stableford competition awaits all and sundry.

Murray Bridge has another state eight-ball champion

Murray Bridge juniors have performed really well at the recent South Australian eight-ball tryouts for a team which will take part in the Australian Junior National Title, to be held in Melbourne next January. 

In the under 12s, Levi Chamberlain, last year's champion, automatically qualified by finishing first in the round robin tryouts and followed up by making the final and finishing runner-up in the state title.

In the under 15s his eldest brother, Kaden, went one better and was crowned state champion, also making the state team for the nationals.

Middle brother Oscar, 12, also performed well, finishing a close fifth in the under 15s, and losing only to the two finalists in the round robin. 

In the under 18s Bradley Stewart did well to finish third and also make the state team for the nationals.

Three out of 10 boys in the state team come from Murray Bridge, which shows the strength of local eight-ball.

State organiser Chris Jeffrey said the future of South Australian eight-ball had been on full display.

"The competition was fierce, the standard was outstanding, and the sportsmanship shown by every player was exceptional and every junior should be incredibly proud of their efforts," he said.

"Seeing so many young players competing, supporting each other and representing their families and South Australian junior pool with pride is exactly what junior cue sports is all about."

• More information: Follow Murray Bridge Eight-Ball Association on Facebook or email mb8ball@gmail.com.

Murray Bridge rowers win men's and women's titles

Murray Bridge Rowing Club has cemented its position as one of South Australia’s premier regional rowing programs, securing both the men’s and women’s country titles for the 2025-26 season.

For a small club, Murray Bridge Rowing Club certainly performs well at state national levels of rowing in juniors, open and masters categories, and the dual victory was a significant achievement for all concerned.

The country championship titles, conducted under Rowing SA, are given to the highest scoring country clubs across the state across both regional and metropolitan regattas, with Murray Bridge having delivered standout achievements across multiple boat classes and age groups this year.

With the championship secured, Murray Bridge Rowing Club now turns its focus to the upcoming regatta season, athlete development initiatives and expanding community engagement and social opportunities.

If you'd like to have a go at rowing, there will be a series of free come and try events open to beginners aged 12 and over on October 11, 19 and 25.

“Rowing is one of the most rewarding sports you can try,” said club president Stacy Seidel.

“It’s low impact, builds strength and endurance, and connects people of all ages.

“Whether you’re looking for fitness, fun, or a new challenge, this is the perfect place to start.”

• More information: Contact Peter on 0411 686 363 or email murraybridgerowingclub1909@gmail.com.

Lawn bowls is about to be back for another season

The Murray Bridge Bowling Club has held its opening day on Saturday, where bowlers were tested by a strong wind ahead of what will be a busy season.

All players wore black armbands in memory of two long-term players – Ken Carter and Brian Densley – who had passed away in the last couple of weeks.

President Brian Leckie welcomed everyone and presented badges to patroness Faye Campbell, patron Kurt Weinmann and life member Paul Smart, who then opened the bowling session by putting down the first kitties and bowls.

Leckie also announced several changes around the club as members started the afternoon with a sausage sizzle.

During the off-season the club was painted, had new carpet laid and new fans installed, with other major projects being planned, the biggest of which will be replacing the greens.

Members were also reminded about upcoming trial games against Encounter Bay and Strathalbyn over the next couple of weekends.

Are you wanting to play lawn bowls on a regular basis?

Positions are still available in teams for men and women if you are wanting to play pennants, with competitions held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

With the bowls season beginning, now is also the time to get your social team together for night owls, where you can play with friends, family or join a team and meet new people.

The Murray Bridge Bowling Club has run a successful competition over two nights, Wednesdays and Thursdays, for many years and is looking to continue this.

Registration will be on October 14 and 15, with club bowls and coaching available to improve your skills.

• More information: Visit the Murray Bridge Bowling Club Facebook page or contact the club on 8532 1312.

Murray Bridge Table Tennis Association season wraps up at Awards Night

Held on September 1 at the clubrooms, Murray Bridge Table Tennis Assocation's 2026 presentation night was filled with great memories, recognition, laughter and celebration as players and members acknowledged one another's hard work, achievements and dedication.

Division one premiers Blue Balls featured players Paul Roberts, Brenton Nurse, Shaun Williams, Daniel Hocking, Troy Penhall, Luke Williams and Jarrad Murray, with Murray also taking home the most consistent player award for his team.

Division two premiers Wombats consisted of Mark Williams, Shylyn Mae Pelotos, Darren Joppich, Steve Wilkins, Josh Hammond and Jess O'Brian, with Williams getting the nod as most consistent player.

A junior sports person of the year award went to Nate Hart, with the senior sports person of the year going to Steve Hock.

A life membership was also awarded to Shane Denman.

Congratulations to all award recipients and a huge thank you to everyone who continues to support and be part of the wonderful table tennis community.

• Get involved: Email Steve Hock at csteveh6@gmail.com.

Murray Bridge Darts Club results

Murray Bridge Darts Club has held an annual doubles competition over the weekend.

• A grade: Winners Kevin Young and James Little, runners-up Craig Atze and Colin Wilson
• B grade: Winners Jackson Elliott and Daryl Edson, runners-up Corey Thow and Kenneth Henson

River Murray Football League results

• Qualifying final: Jervois 16.7 (103) defeated Coorong 9.11 (65)
• Semi-final: Mannum 10.10 (70) defeated Imperials 7.8 (50)

River Murray Netball Association results

• Preliminary final: Coorong 48 defeated Mallee 30

Murray Bridge United Soccer Club results

• Murray Bridge United reserves 2-6 The Cove FC reserves
  L. Oppelaar 48', A. Tolley 74'

Send your sports reports to, or express an interest in sponsoring this weekly feature by contacting, jane@murraybridge.news.