DENILIQUIN ROVERS
Current Affiliation: Picola and District Football League (PDFL) since 1977
Formed: 1977
Colours: Royal blue and white
Emblem: 'Roos
Senior Premierships: Nil
Most Games: 366 by Phillip Dowling
In 1977, there were more prospective footballers in Deniliquin than could be accommodated by the town's existing Murray Football League member club. It was in a bid to alleviate this situation that the Deniliquin Rovers Football Club was formed.
After struggling in their debut season the 'Roos improved beyond all reasonable expectation in 1978, winning 13 of their 19 home and away matches to top the ladder prior to the finals. The club's improvement permeated all four grades, with the reserves emulating the seniors in claiming the minor premiership, the thirds finishing 3rd, and the fourths 2nd. However, not one of the teams managed to go on with the job. The seniors and reserves reached their respective grand finals, but lost by an identical 9 point margin to Barooga and Picola respectively. Meanwhile the thirds and fourths both dropped out of contention at the preliminary final stage.
The following year, all four grades again contested the finals, with the seniors, reserves and all heading their respective ladders and ultimately making it through to the grand final. The reserves and fourths duly 'brought home the bacon', but the seniors, despite kicking a healthy total of 20.10 (130), lost a thriller by 4 points against Barooga.
The 'Roos' frustrations at senior level were magnified during the 1980s as they qualified for the finals in eight seasons out of ten, winning the minor premiership three times, and yet still failed to take the ultimate step. Unsuccessful grand final clashes with Katunga in 1984 and Yarroweyah in '85 was as close as they came.
The 1990s were largely disappointing, although Shane Gilligan did manage to get the side as far as the grand final in 1995. As on every previous occasion, however, the 'Roos came up short, losing to Waaia by 16 points. Three years later they endured the hitherto unprecedented indignity of going through the whole season without winning a single game.
After qualifying for the finals in 2003 the 'Roos endured three poor seasons before returning to the September fray in 2007. However, their season was quickly brought to an end in an elimination final by Shepparton East.
Where now?
or