Wayward start for new-look Roos

Best Players: Cody Schutt, Liam Mccarthy, Mitchell Scott, Riley Irvin, Jedd Longmire and Patrick Lavis.

Corowa-Rutherglen’s 2025 campaign began under the bright lights of Wangaratta on Saturday night for the twilight time slot.

It was to be a tough opening test against the always-strong Magpies, who had knocked off the reigning premiers the week before.

The Roos had sixteen fresh faces from its previous round 18 clash against Lavington last August, so it was always going to take a few games for everything to just click.

The away game showed some incredible passages of play but would be ruing missed set shots to reduce the deficit at quarter time, with kicks for goal from Kaelan Bradtke, Darcy Hope and Connor Leslie off the mark.

The final scoreline of 11.13.79 to 6.12.48 doesn't fully reflect the effort and endeavour shown by a new-look Roos side.

It was a baptism of fire for many, but there were clear signs of potential as the Roos matched Wangaratta for intensity through large stretches of the game.

Cody Schutt was a standout across four quarters, showcasing clean ball use and leadership in the contest.

Liam McCarthy provided plenty of drive and dash, while Josh Clayton and Tyler Roos accumulated plenty of possessions in the midfield.

Mitchell Scott was another new face to impress, along with Riley Irvin, and some more familiar names in Jedd Longmire and Patrick Lavis were busy, particularly Lavis with two classy majors.

The Roos regrouped and outscored Wangaratta 5.5 to 4.9 in the second half.

While the result wasn’t what Corowa-Rutherglen had hoped for, the energy, effort and emergence of new talent laid a solid foundation to build on.

With an exciting season ahead, the Roos will take heart from the positives and look to continue gelling as a unit as they prepare to return home next week in front of a huge Easter crowd.

Reserves’ memorable win over reigning premiers

Corowa-Rutherglen's development squad has pulled off a remarkable upset to kickstart their 2025 campaign, downing reigning premiers Wangaratta Magpies in a hard-fought contest under the afternoon sun.

With a significantly revamped lineup featuring several new faces, the young Roos entered the clash as clear underdogs.

The searing early afternoon heat did little to ease the challenge, and the Magpies pounced early, racing to a two-goal lead within the opening five minutes.

But Corowa-Rutherglen's resilience shone through, responding swiftly with goals from Deakan Clancey, Taj Smith and Hugh Canning to close the gap and trail by just a point at the first break.

The Roos’ commitment to their pre-season structures was evident as the match turned into a tense, end-to-end affair.

By half-time, the sides were locked at 39 apiece in a game that had developed into a tactical arm wrestle.

Newly appointed co-captains Bailey Pirnag and Mak Lavis rallied the team at the main break, and their leadership was instrumental in lifting the side's intensity after half-time.

Holbrook recruit Fletcher Parker stood out with a commanding second half performance, displaying clean skills and physical pressure that signalled his readiness for Ovens and Murray football.

In the final term, Parker was tasked with curbing Wangaratta’s best player, Oscar Roberts, and rose to the challenge, forcing critical turnovers and capitalising on key errors.

Judd and Kade Kushcert, Jesse Johnstone, and Hugh Canning all elevated their games in the closing stages, helping the Roos over the line in a stirring finish.

It was a performance full of heart and character, one that will be remembered as one of the side’s finest victories in recent memory.

The focus now shifts to Round 2, where they’ll look to build on their momentum against the Wodonga Raiders.

Corowa Rutherglen 12.3.75 def Wangaratta 10.8.68.

Goals: D Clancy 5, H Canning 2, T Smith 1, P Whyte 1, J Kuschert 1.

Best Players: Fletcher Parker, Deaken Clancy, Hugh Canning, Taj Smith, Jesse Johnstone and Bailey Pirnag.

Thirds

The under 18s opened their 2025 season against the Wangaratta Magpies.

With the temperature in the mid-twenties and facing one of last year’s grand finalists they knew it was going to be a difficult challenge but also an opportunity to make a strong first impression on the league.

Wangaratta Magpies 9.13 67 def Corowa Rutherglen 3.8.26

Goals: Caile Duryea, Jonah Massey-Chase, Ashton Wynne.

Best players: Angus Coghill, Tex Longmire, Jayden Forge, Caile Duryea, Hunter Hall and Jay Lavis.

Easter game at home

The Easter Saturday game is going to be huge as the Roos take on the Wodonga Raiders, the only team the team defeated last season.

Following our seniors’ game on Easter Saturday there will be the $5,000 Golf Ball Drop plus, music and food. Stick around for a chat and mingle in the fantastic, newly refurbished clubrooms.

An amazing effort by so many. They look amazing, light and bright. Come and check them out.

Memberships are available online or come down to the clubrooms on Thursday between 5-7pm to purchase one, located in the old can bar along with plenty of merchandise to be purchased.

Docs Cafe will be serving some great coffee in the old canteen on Saturday, alongside the newly located Can Bar.

Constable Rorey to swap colours

The colours to be worn by Corowa police constable Rorey McNamara will change from blue to white this Saturday at John Foord Oval when the Roos host Wodonga Raiders. The keen Roos’ supporter who has plenty of experience at each end of a football ground will officiate as a goal umpire.

Roos Junior Football

Under 16s

Corowa 13.12.90

Def North Albury 12.5.77

Best: Franklin Murray-Wright, Austin Ross-Anderson, Will Forrest, Brodie White, Harrison Webb, Levi Phibbs.

Under 14s

Corowa 2.4.16

Def by North Albury 8.12.60

Best: Abe Spencer, Joshua Parker, Jaxx Johnstone, Ollie Mathews, Lucas Tait, Will Torney.

Under 12s

Corowa 1.0.6

Def by North Albury 7.8.50

Best: Benjamin Casey, Billy Witherden, Amelliah Hart, Max Tull, George Smith, Mason Skinner.

Roos Female Football

Under 12s

Nth Albury 2.6 18

Def by Corowa Rutherglen 8.16 64

Best: Lily Kiely, Demi Barnes, Matilda Brown, Violet Kiely, Thea Davis, Amelia Kelly.

Under 14s

Nth Albury 2

Def by Corowa Rutherglen 8.7 55

Best: Ivy Tille, Isabelle Haberfield, Macie Thomson, Sophie Norris, Quinn O'Keefe, Tilley Reeves.

Under 17s

Nth Albury 2.0 12

Def by Corowa Rutherglen 10.9 69

Best: Lilyana Murray-Wright, Nelly Bruce, Kaity Ford, Ashlyn Willett, Melia McDonald, Grace Richmond.

Open Women’s

Wodonga Raiders 9.6 60

Def Corowa Rutherglen 1.1 7

Best: Kaitlyn Robinson, Mia Spiteri, Brodie Chapman, Layla Haberfield, Hannah Loughnan, Emily Robinson.