THOMAS RUTLEDGE
Assumption First XVIII history dates way back to the early 1900’s. Successful for decades prior to entering the AGSV in 1959, its story has been quite inspiring ever since. Forty premierships in the prestigious competition plus 12 Herald Sun titles from 18 finals at the MCG between 1980 and 2009. Its long list graduated to VFL and AFL totals 148 with a number of them immortals of the game. The first official captain in 1906 was J Twomey, the latest in 2025 is Tom Rutledge. A boarder from near Kyneton, Tom is also boys’ college captain.
Tom is an impressive young man. He has loved his time at ACK as did a brother and sisters just before him. His dad, Ron, and uncle Michael came to Assumption from Hay (NSW). Michael’s son Sam is also at ACK from a Gunbower dairy farm. He knew of a Gunbower lad, Ray Power, who led the First XVIII and XI to titles just over 40 years ago. In 1982 Ray kicked 210 goals (in 21 games)—a record that will probably never be broken.
Tom’s family moved to Kyneton from NSW in 2007. His dad Ron is a highly regarded stock agent, while his mum works in agricultural services. Ron and Michael Rutledge were prominent in sport at ACK. Tom’s brother and two sisters are now working in construction, police force and business studies at university.
Tom told me his interests beyond football are golf and farm life (sheep). He also plays for Bendigo Pioneers and hopes for a possible football career at the elite level. Beyond college days he hopes to study law or commerce.
He hopes to lead ACK to the AGSV and says there are some very promising players in the squad, including joint vice captains Jackson Mansfield (a Kilmore lad) and Darby Jones. Tom is very honoured to lead ACK First XVIII and is well aware of its proud history.
VARIA
A happy reunion gathering of former college students at a Fitzroy hotel last Saturday evening. Among the assembled throng were Bill Brownless, Simon Costa (A.C.K.O.C President), Michael McMaster (nephew of Geelong footy legend Bill McMaster) and ACK Principal Paul Finneran. Also present from Kilmore was Kate Boulton who has the alumni portfolio at the college and is doing a fine job. Kate is married to Aaron Boulton, formerly of Broadford. He is an ACK ex-student and the couple have two young sons at St. Patricks—Julian and Alexander. They play junior footy for Kilmore.
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Bill Brownless was his usual jovial self. He said he will invite me to his 60th birthday. I went to his 30th, 40th and 50th gigs in Geelong.
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Just wish to thank Kilmore resident Kim Stone who a week ago returned to me a valuable item which she found. It had been taken from my car. Grateful to Kim—she has lived in Kilmore for 24 years.
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A well known local footy tipster, renowned in his predictions, has come out early and predicted a Brisbane Lions versus Gold Coast Grand Final. He did not wish to be named.
BOY WONDER
Hard to believe but this 14- year-old Indian boy has just hit a blazing century in the Indian Premier League against an attack featuring five world class test bowlers. His display sent the 60,000-strong crowd into a frenzy. Noticed as a prodigy at age four, in 2024 he hit a century against Australia in the U19 World Cup.
