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Brotherly love: Katandra sports six sets of brothers in senior football clash

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Wholesome: Katandra had a remarkable six pairs of brothers take the field in its win over Tocumwal last week. Pictured: Jonty and Rex Wardle, Jaidyn and Zane Thorne, Jack and Alex Smith, Tom and Luke Turcato, Brady and Mitch Black and Tom and Angus Jeffrey. Photo: Katandra Football Netball Club.

Whether it is the Danihers, Maddens, Cornes, Burgoynes or more recently the Kings — brothers have always shared a special connection on the football field.

And that connection was something local Picola and District League club Katandra tried to channel last weekend, with an incredible six sets of brothers taking the field in its 22-point win over Tocumwal.

Led by captain Jonty Wardle and his brother Rex, the Kats had Jeffrey pair Tom and Angus, Thornes Jaidyn and Zane, Smiths Alex and Jack, Turcatos Tom and Luke and Blacks Brady and Mitch don the navy blue in what was nothing short of a wholesome afternoon.

Priding itself on being a family club, Katandra coach Trent Herbert explained how the special occurrence came about.

“It was very interesting because it actually happened earlier in the year but nobody really took any notice of it until this time around when we welcomed back a few from injuries and things,” Herbert said.

“Four out of the six sets of brothers are local boys from the club and then the other two have been ring-ins over the past couple of years.

“This just proves the loyalty of the boys hanging around and just how tight knit we are being a proud family club.”

Making up over half of his side on the day, Herbert said the connection between the brothers was incredible to see, as they constantly looked out for each other while on the field.

“There was always a brotherly connection going on out there on the field,” he said.

“Things like kicking to each other even if they weren’t in the right position, looking out for each other if there was a little niggle and just knowing where they were going to be running.

“As a coach I got a lot of enjoyment out of watching it and I think our supporters did as well.”

As for whether we can expect to see this again, Herbert said he hoped to have all the boys back on the park this week and beyond.

“We got a nice come-from-behind victory with the boys so we will be definitely looking to keep them in the side,” he said.

“It would be good to see them all sign on for next year and continue to be part of what we are building.”