Despite AFL veteran Cameron Cloke making a one-off appearance for Corowa Rutherglen the Roos were eventually overrun by a determined Wodonga Raiders outfit at the John Foord Oval on Saturday.
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The Roos got off to a great start to lead by seven points at quarter time, but a four goal to one second quarter by Raiders had the Roos on the back foot.
From there on the Raiders stamped their authority on the game to score a win over the Roos by eight goals.
Leading early, only to fall behind in latter stages has been a common theme over the past few weeks, and on this occasion their situation was worsened by the loss of Shane Tregear who limped off the field early in the second quarter.
Former AFL Carlton and Collingwood player, Cameron Cloke gave the Roos a real target up forward and although he only scored one major he was instrumental in a number of score involvements and had several stints in the ruck.
His forty metre bullet pass to Leigh Schulz, who goaled, was a ripper.
Along with Alex Wallis up forward and Jack Schilg and Tyson Logie around the ground, the Roos looked dangerous at times.
The back line held up strongly for most of the game also with Jimmy O’Connell and Kade Kuschert on top of their opponents.
Kaelen Bradtke pulled down a couple strong marks and is growing at senior level while Cameron Dunne continued his good form.
Tempers became flared early in the second half and when a Raiders free kick resulted in a goal they didn’t look back.
The Roos continue with a game style of switching play across half back to open up space to create some run into the forward line.
They just need to tidy up their execution to benefit in the games to come along with making the most of their good starts.
