It’s a devastating blow for Corowa Rutherglen to lose its best and fairest footballer for the past two seasons.
The Roos are still without a coach for season 2023 and are yet to be back in full pre-season training due to the shockingly wet and sustained weather causing flooding to clubrooms and the John Foord Oval.
Wilson is in his second week of training under new coach, former Geelong champion Steve Johnson in Yarrawonga.
“Firstly, I want to thank Corowa football club for the last three years, coming to Corowa in a Covid-interrupted first year from a bush league to have a crack at Ovens and Murray and playing the last two years, and developing as a footballer,” he told The Free Press.
“I’ve grown up here and have a lot of family and friends here. It comes a time you’ve got to make a tough decision, to progress as much as I can, to get the best coaching while I can.
“I’ve loved my time at Corowa. It’s been a very hard decision, a very lengthy decision.”
The 21-year-old admitted Yarrawonga had been chasing him over three years. “It’s a football decision, a football decision alone,” Wilson, who will be in his final year of his plumbing apprenticeship with Hetherington Plumbing Corowa in 2023 and whom he praised for their support over his football career, said.
“I’ve been honest with Corowa. I wish them all the best and hope they move forward, and make the finals next year,” he said.
Corowa Football Netball Club President Graham Hosier expressed disappointment at the loss of Wilson.
“It’s disappointing, particularly losing your best and fairest. He was part of our plans going forward,” Mr Hosier said.
“It’s disappointing, not only for our team but to the supporters and our footy department. We’re trying our damndest to get things done and to get a coach. Losing Cam Barrett to Wangaratta is also disappointing.”
The president emphasised the club has a proud history and wants players to stick together despite the unfortunate results weather has imposed on the clubrooms and ground.
Senior netball coach Georgie Bruce said last week: “The girls are into their second week of preseason before the Christmas break. “It’s good to see the newly elected 15s and 17s girls putting in the training efforts.”
