NINE members of the same family have made history at Edenhope-Apsley Football Netball Club.
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The Rowe and Butler cousins played their first senior football game together on Saturday when the Saints took on Noradjuha-Quantong.
Michael Rowe, 30, coaches the side – and to his delight, the Saints came away with a strong win at the weekend to keep their finals hopes alive.
He had support from James Rowe, 27, Steven Butler, 26, Sean Butler, 24, Matt Butler, 22, Leslie Butler, 21, John Butler, 21, Taylor Butler, 19 and Jack Rowe, 19.
It has taken 11 games for the men to find themselves 100 per cent fit and ready to play football together.
Michael said it was a great experience.
“It was interesting. You couldn’t help but pass the ball to each other,” he said.
“There is usually a bit of banter.
“We definitely aren’t afraid to tell each other what we think.”
James said as youngsters, the nine would play football with their uncles Francis, Christopher, Les and Paul Butler and Keith Rowe.
“They would absolutely belt us, then the older cousins would belt the younger ones. It made us all really competitive. We all argue a lot on the field, but when push comes to shove (we have each others’ backs),” he said. “It’s the big nine.”
Matt said it was a great moment to play together.
“It was unreal. It has always been a dream of mine to play with family,” he said.
“It was weird. You would look up, see your cousin or brother and know what they were going to do.”
Matt said the highlight of the game was when Michael scored a decisive goal in the final quarter.
“All the family was down (to watch the game). It was great. We all got around him.
“There was one time where it went through five people and then a goal was scored – every one was a Rowe or Butler,” he said.