Presidents Message
Highlanders
Five rounds are complete, and the Highlanders have shown some very encouraging form across the club, with six of our seven teams currently sitting in the top six on the ladder. Best placed to date are First Grade, Third Grade and Colts 3s, all sitting in third position.
While it is still early in the season, by this stage, you generally get a feel for how competitive the club is going to be, and I’m pleased to say we are competitive across all Grade, Colts and Women's teams.
A special mention must go to Third Grade who are one team to keep an eye on this year. They have a terrific mix of experience and youth, and I’ve been extremely impressed with both their skill level and attitude across the park. I genuinely believe they are the real deal, and while I don’t want to put the mocker on them, if they can stay injury-free, they will remain extremely competitive throughout the season.
Our First-Grade side is also bringing plenty of smiles to Gordon supporters this year. We certainly know how to score points, with a very exciting attacking style, but we do need to improve our defensive lapses. This is something we must improve across the entire squad. We are leaking far too many points and, from what I have seen, too many easy points.
I have always believed defence wins games. When I look back at our 2020 premiership-winning side, it was their pride in defence and their willingness to protect their line that ultimately won them the premiership.
Having the right ATTITUDE is required from all fifteen players. The great Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi once said:
“Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work.”
Defensively, a team has to adopt this mentality. A side may have the best structures, the fittest players and the strongest athletes, but if their attitude towards defence is poor, they will struggle, both individually and collectively, to consistently make effective tackles.
I often say, “Play with MONGREL.” If you are not willing to put your body on the line and have that gladiator mindset, you will struggle. Good players embrace the physicality of the game and enjoy the contest.
Our Women’s XV are also competing gallantly. While they currently have one win from four games, they are playing some highly entertaining rugby. The backline has genuine skill and talent, and, with only a 16-point differential across four matches, they are not far away from returning to the winner’s circle. Their tough 26–22 loss against Souths was, in my opinion, a game where the better side lost on the day.
Gordon supporters should feel very upbeat about the performances so far because I genuinely believe we have several teams that are the real deal in 2026.
This weekend we take First and Second Grade to Mudgee, which is my home away from home and a place I often call my happy place for the sense of peace and joy that comes with being in the country. For several years, it has been on my agenda to bring a Shute Shield game to the Central West and, this year, with the support of Council, the Mudgee Wombats, and the Manly Marlins, we have finally been able to make it happen.
Mudgee is derived from the Wiradjuri Aboriginal word Moothi or Mudgee, commonly interpreted to mean “nest in the hills”. The name reflects the town’s beautiful setting within the picturesque Cudgegong River Valley, surrounded by rolling hills.
I also have a personal connection to the region, owning a small property in the Erudgere Valley off Hill End Road, about 8km from Mudgee town. Gordon front-row stalwart John Dawes also has a home on the outskirts of Mudgee. Another local many of you may remember is Tony Muller, who played First Grade back in the 1980s, along with local farmer and proud Mudgee boy Andy Webb, who also represented both Gordon and the Mudgee Wombats.
Supporters will be gathering from 6:00pm at the Oriental Hotel upstairs for a drink or two before the weekend’s rugby action. It should be a great weekend of rugby in Mudgee.
I really hope to see as many Gordon Supporters wearing the colours with pride. Rug up for when the sun goes down, it will be chilly.
Up the Highlanders.
Matt Glascott
Club President
