'No limits': New Rutherglen coach Barrett reveals his Cats blueprint

Cam Barrett has called time on his O&M career with Wangaratta to sign a two-year deal as coach of Rutherglen. File picture

Rutherglen's new playing coach Cam Barrett has wasted little time setting an ambitious target for the Cats' 150th year.

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The former Wangaratta defender has declared he is not returning to the TDFL to make up the numbers, with a top-three finish the minimum target as Rutherglen attempts to end its finals drought.

Barrett, 30, has signed on as playing coach for the next two seasons, replacing co-coaches Dylan Van Berlo and Reed Bonat.

He arrives at Barkly Park after four seasons as an integral member of Wangaratta's defence, including appearances in the Magpies' past two losing grand finals against Wangaratta Rovers.

The appointment is also a homecoming for Barrett, who played a handful of games for the Cats in 2017 when free of his VFL commitments with Northern Blues.

He has also played for Balranald and Corowa-Rutherglen, where he spent the 2022 season.

Cam Barrett arrives at Barkly Park after four seasons as an integral member of Wangaratta's defence, including appearances in the Magpies' past two losing grand finals against Wangaratta Rovers. File picture

Barrett said he was honoured to return to Barkly Park as coach.

"I feel it is a huge honour to be appointed coach of a club like Rutherglen," Barrett said.

"I previously had a short stint at the club when one of my best mates Damien Wilson was coaching.

"I certainly have fond memories of my short time at Rutherglen and I'm honoured and excited to be returning."

Barrett admitted he never expected to be considered for the senior coaching position but quickly realised he and the Cats shared similar ambitions.

"To be honest, I never expected Rutherglen would consider me to coach the club," he said.

"I have previous coaching experience which was a while ago now but coaching has been something I was always keen to revisit eventually.

"So once I sat down with Rutherglen for the first time, it soon became clear we had similar goals and ambitions and there was nowhere else where I would rather coach."

Barrett was unsure whether former O&M star Dylan Van Berlo would remain at the Cattery next year. File picture

Barrett has already identified three key recruiting priorities - a ruckman, defender and key forward - but does not intend to overhaul a list he believes has plenty of potential.

"Obviously Dylan Van Berlo has played a lot in the ruck in recent seasons, so getting another ruckman will be a recruiting priority," he said.

"A really good defender and, like most clubs, a key forward who can kick his fair share of goals are also on the recruiting wish-list.

"I realise players like that don't grow on trees but those are the three pillars I will be hunting for.

"But in saying that, a lot of the foundations are there and I won't be trying to come in and upset the apple cart too much."

Barrett is also hopeful Van Berlo remains at Rutherglen, despite uncertainty surrounding his playing future.

"Obviously I would love it if he stuck around, first and foremost he is a great person with a great family and is such a class player," Barrett said.

"But I fully understand Dylan has to do what is best for his family and himself and I will support his decision either way.

"Hopefully he decides that is in a Cats jumper."

Baxter Lane-Gee in action for Rutherglen. File picture

Barrett intends to predominantly play off half-back but is keeping his options open about his position.

"I played off half-back at Wangaratta and I feel I can read the play well from there," he said.

"But I'm keeping an open mind and I don't want to push somebody out of a position that they are already proven in.

"I will just see what works best and take it from there."

While recruiting will be important, Barrett believes developing Rutherglen's emerging talent will be critical to building sustained success.

"You can recruit half-a-dozen players that are in their prime who are around that 28 age demographic but if they leave again in a couple of years, you are back where you started.

"So the young players will be given every opportunity to play and they provide the group with energy and are the future of the club."

Beechworth's Austen Fendyk and Rutherglen's Matt Tanner engage in a bit of push and shove. File picture

Barrett also wants the Cats to play an attacking brand of football with a licence to thrill, built around strong fundamentals.

"I'm big on the fundamentals of kicks, marks and handball," he said.

"That will be a massive part of our game and I'm hoping we can produce an exciting brand of football for the supporters.

"It will be a side that will play with no limitations on it and if you make a mistake, you make a mistake.

"I also want the playing group to have fun while having a crack and see where it takes us."

Rutherglen battled injuries throughout this season, but Barrett believes the list is capable of a significant improvement.

"It is an exciting list and speaking to those close to the club, they all attest to the amount of junior talent coming through the ranks," he said.

"The key will be getting games into the younger players and adding a bit more experience around them to help strengthen the list.

"I feel the list is in great shape and if we can have a bit more luck with injuries, there are no limits in regards to what we can achieve."

Mitchell Cofield in action for Rutherglen. File picture

The Cats will celebrate their 150th year in 2027, but Barrett's ambitions extend well beyond simply being part of the milestone.

"From my point of view, I'm not going out to the TDFL to come second," he said.

"I will be putting my eggs in the one basket and trying to get success straight away for the Rutherglen community.

"You need to finish top-three to give yourself every chance during the finals and that's what I will be striving for next year."

TDFL officials would love to get Marty Brennan (centre) in an interleague jumper again next year. File picture

Brennan has signed on as Barrett's assistant coach after returning home.

"Marty is obviously a former junior but didn't play this season because he was off overseas doing his bike tours which he also loves," Barrett said.

"But his record speaks for itself - a best and fairest winner and premiership player with Lavington in the O&M, league medallist and club best and fairest at Rutherglen as well.

"His leadership and training standards he sets will also be beneficial for not only the younger blokes but every player on the list.

"Marty will certainly help push the group in the right direction."

Barrett is also hopeful former Rutherglen coach Damien Wilson will return to the playing group.

Damien Wilson in action for Rutherglen in 2017. File picture

Wilson has not played for the past two seasons, with his most recent appearance coming in Yarrawonga's 2024 grand final loss to Wangaratta Rovers.

"At the moment it looks like Damo has committed to playing next year," Barrett said.

"He is busy with work and his young family but hopefully in the next few days the club might make a formal announcement.

"At this stage I will coach outright, Marty will be my assistant coach and ideally I would like another two assistant coaches to be determined to help spread the load.

"One of those is potentially externally and the other internally if it goes to plan."

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