Graham Ferguson to reach 500 games running the water for Mooroopna

Graham Ferguson, or ‘’Ferg’’ as he’s known around the Cattery, is Mooroopna’s long-serving water runner.

And on the weekend he’ll notch game number 500.

For more than two decades, he has been a fixed star in the Cats’ constellation, a figure as familiar as the final siren on a cold July afternoon.

Ferguson, 43, lives with Down Syndrome, but he’s never let that define his role at the club.

Week in, week out, through pre-seasons, finals runs and rebuilding years he’s laced up his runners and hit the turf with a handful of water bottles to do his bit and keep the players hydrated and motivated.

He began his journey with the Cats in the late 1990s, when club volunteers were still lining the oval with chalk and meat pies cost the same as a litre of petrol.

Brian Robbins, Mooroopna’s coach at the time, recruited Ferguson and he soon became a fixture of the side: part hydration specialist, part spiritual mascot, part unofficial morale officer.

What’s more, is that Ferg is bloody good at his job.

“There’s no secret, just run, run, run,” he said.

“If the players get thirsty, they don’t say anything — I just go on and give them a drink.

“Probably once or twice during the year they say ‘Hey Ferg, I need water’.”

Ferguson has handed out more water than an irrigation system, but he’s also no stranger to dishing out encouragement and the odd bit of banter.

He wasn’t recruited for his pace or disposal efficiency — but for his love of the game, his reliability and his instinctive feel for the pulse of a footy club.

Mooroopna, to its credit, saw something special in him early and, when Saturday rolls around — home or away — it’s action stations for Ferguson.

There are no prizes for guessing his answer when the self-proclaimed sports fanatic was asked if game day is the highlight of his week.

“It is, yes,” he said with bold definition, not taking a second to ponder.

“I come here, get changed into my water carrier top, a Shepp News orange top and vest.

“After the game we go in and sing the Mooroopna Cats song — cheer boys cheer, we are Mooroopna, that’s our theme song.”

As for Ferguson’s response when quizzed about ever leaving for a rival Goulburn Valley League team?

“Never — I’m Mooroopna through and through,” he said proudly.

Ferguson has stuck fat with the Cats through the good years and bad and among his best memories at Mooroopna was the 2011 GVL grand final.

The Cats took on Shepparton United in the decider and suiting up in the hoops was none other than Ferguson’s cousin, Nathan Tweddle, alongside other notable names such as Adem and Ramadan Yze.

Though Mooroopna went down by 15 points that day, Ferguson ranks it as the best Cats side he’s seen during his time running the water.

The 2025 season — Ferguson’s 28th at the club — started last weekend with a three-hour round trip to Mansfield and, despite the unfavourable result, the dedicated water runner cherished every bit of the journey.

“The bus trip to Mansfield, that was a good day and night when we came home on the bus and went to the pub for tea,” he said.

“I enjoy doing the water with the boys — I love the boys (and their) passion and their love for the jumper.

“The people, I love the people and I’m passionate about the people here.”

Ask around the Mooroopna sheds and you’ll hear the same thing: Ferg is the club.

Footy clubs are built on more than flags — they’re centred around connection, contribution and community and Ferguson has embodied all three for more than two decades.

In 500 games, he’s never missed a run, a smile or a moment.

His job has never been glamorous, but it has always been vital and this weekend, the water runner will take centre stage.

It’s about time, too.