The name Stephen Chant has become synonymous with Aussie rules in Cootamundra over the past six seasons, with Chant stamping his authority on the game. He leads from the front and this year took on the dual role of captain/coach, beginning the season with a perfect record of two wins on the trot. In six years of footy, Chant has been named the Cootamundra Blues Best and Fairest five times. Last year, in a prestigious honour, he was chosen to represent NSW/ACT at the two day Army Weekend hosted by defence barracks in both Wagga and Canberra. Chant won the Army challenge and was presented his trophy by former AFL star Glenn Archer.

A LEGEND LOST: Cootamundra has lost one of its greatest ever sportsmen with the passing of Max Rudd (right) pictured on the right with the late Frank Smith.

The local Aussie rules community recognised the contribution to the sport of avid Blues man Max Rudd in round one of the AFL, which saw the Coota Blues triumph over Belconnen, on Sunday. Max passed away last October at 86 years old. Max was a foundation member of the Cootamundra Australian Football Club in 1960. He was the inaugural winner of the club’s Best and Fairest award in 1960 and again won the club’s highest honour in 1964. He was actively involved in the club for 40 years between 1960 and 2000. In 1999, at the Blues 40th year of celebrations, Max was awarded a life time achievement award for AFL by NSW/ACT. At the Blues 50th anniversary in 2009, Max was named in the Blues best team of a half a century. A minute’s silence was held prior to the bounce as players and spectators paid tribute to this great man. Following the minute’s silence the hooter blew three times in a fitting honour. The Blues boys wore black armbands during the game in memory of Max and all he did for the team. Their dogged, come from behind win, is one which would have had Max smiling and certainly made the day even more special for all of those in attendance.