A small group of young footballers will represent the Mitchell Shire in the finals of the Football Victoria Summer Cup.
With the official end of the football season complete and changes taking place at their usual Mitchell Rangers Club, the team was required to enter the tournament under their own team name and resources.
The Kilmore Stallions was born, and a playing kit was quickly designed with support of sponsors to fund the team’s costs.
Team manager Mark Tippet said the team’s ability to compete had been far from smooth sailing and the qualification into the final stage of the tournament marked a significant achievement.

Under the guidance of local under 10 coach Ronell Kumar, a short training program at Broadford Secondary College was designed so the boys would be ready for the group stage of the competition.
The team started off with a respectable 2-0 loss to Port Melbourne Sharks.
“Considering the facilities, resources, coaching program of their opposition, it was a great effort for our local team to push their well known opposition in a close contest,” Mr Tippet said.
“But sometimes the kids raised in the country have such a grit and determination, the young kids weren’t going to be satisfied with close enough is good enough.
The Kilmore Stallions fought back in their next game with a 4-1 victory against Rising Tekkers Football Club and went into day two of the tournament with a chance to progress.
The next game was against top-of-the-table Spring Hills, with Kilmore securing a draw.
Down 0-1 at halftime, the Stallions dug deep to clinch an important goal in the second half and hold onto a draw.

Mr Tippet said the final hurdle was the fancied Whittlesea Ranges, who boasted a number of talented players in elite training programs.
“But our country kids did the region proud with a gutsy 1-0 win,” he said.
After the game, coach Ronell Kumar said he couldn’t be prouder of the team.
“We aren’t scared of playing against the big teams and I really believe in the potential of our players,” he said.
The Kilmore Stallions will travel to Cranbourne on Saturday and will play Mt Eliza FC in the quarter finals.
A win will see the Stallions progress through to the semi-finals and then the grand final.
Awesome job boys .
We are all super proud of you
So very proud of this amazing team…but extra proud of my gorgeous grandson Jackson…
Great effort boys , support and play for each other and you will go far.
Wohoo.. go stallions can’t wait to see you in action this weekend
Way to go boys. Can’t wait to see you win this weekend in finals ❤️