Jim Hanrahan wins Rutherglen's best and fairest award

He scored a comfortable win in the award over James Tanner.

It was Hanrahan's first season at the club.

Hanrahan was originally from CDHBU but joined the Cats this year after moving back home from Queensland.

He helped cover the gaping hole left by Damien Wilson who crossed to Corowa-Rutherglen at the end of 2019.

Wilson was regarded among the premier midfielders in the Tallangatta league.

He enhanced his reputation this year after finishing runner-up in the Roos' best and fairest behind younger brother Cam.

Rutherglen coach Steve Owen said Hanrahan had proved a handy addition to the midfield.

"Jim certainly enjoyed a consistent season and established himself as our No. 1 midfielder," Owen said.

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Rutherglen proved to be more than competitive this season under Owen who was in his first season as coach.

The Cats were sixth with a 5-6 record when the season was abandoned.

They claimed the prized scalp of Tallangatta to underline their improvement this season.

Owen said there were some promising signs before the season prematurely ended.

"To the players' credit, I was really pleased how they adjusted to the game plan and how I wanted them to play," he said.

"We sprung a few surprises but let a few matches slip that we shouldn't have.

"But that's to be expected with a young group."

Owen said most players had recommitted for next year with the exception of Jarryd Hatton who had joined Corowa-Rutherglen.

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