Bowers won back-to-back Matt Talbot Medals in 2014 and 2015, before crossing to Ovens and King outfit Milawa last year and winning their best and fairest.

Rutherglen coach Damien Wilson admitted it’s a massive bonus for the Cats.

“It worked out that it was easiest for him to come and have a kick with us, it was a pleasing surprise to have him come calling that’s for sure,” Wilson said

“I haven’t personally played with Sam, I played against him when I was at Corowa and he was at Rovers as an 18-year-old.

“He’s a two-time best and fairest winner at Rutherglen and won Milawa’s best and fairest last year, so he’s been playing good footy.

“It’s exciting for us because he’s a local kid and that mateship he’ll bring to the club will be second to none.”

Bowers played five of the first six games for Rovers this season, but has missed the last fortnight with injury. 

Wilson won’t rush Bowers into the Cats’ lineup, but knows he’ll make a difference when he’s ready to go. 

“He’s had a few injuries, so we’ll wait and see when his first game will be,” he said.

“We’ve got a few guys with some little injuries, it’s nothing major, it will probably just be one or two weeks.

“We’ll get them right over the next fortnight and get back to to fielding our top side.”

Rutherglen heads to Tallangatta on Saturday who are fresh off their second win of the season after thrashing Dederang-Mount Beauty. 

Wilson knows it will be another big test for his side.

“They haven’t been disgraced in any games this year, they’ve always been around the mark and thrown some good games together,” Wilson said.

“We’ve still been improving, but we want to keep getting better and lift with the competition.

“Our whole squad has been playing good footy and it’s just a matter of keeping that going in the back half of the year when it counts.”

Barnawartha hosts arch rivals Chiltern who can’t afford to lose touch with the top five.

Beechworth will be chasing its fourth victory of the season when it takes on Wahgunyah.

Mitta United will be expected to take the four points against Wodonga Saints.

Kiewa-Sandy Creek will look to move another win clear of Yackandandah when they clash at Kiewa, while Thurgoona will start heavy favourites at home to Dederang-Mount Beauty.