Will Axelby, Angus Curry and Levi Arnold chase the ball down against Wangaratta.
Corowa Rutherglen 6.8 44 def by Wangaratta 19.19 133
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Goals: Degan Purcell 2; Kaelan Bradtke, Jordan Eyers, Ky Williamson, Tex Longmire 1
Best: Elijah Amery, Tom Forrest, Thomas Longmire, Jayden Forge, Will Axelby, Jackson Richardson
Corowa Rutherglen were ultimately outclassed by a polished Wangaratta Magpies outfit at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday, with the ladder leaders pulling away after a promising start from the Roos to record a convincing 15-goal victory.
The Roos came out with plenty of energy and were up for the challenge early, catching the Magpies off guard with their pressure and intensity.
Young gun Deagan Purcell was at the centre of the early action, lighting up the opening stages and slotting the first major of the afternoon to give Corowa an ideal start.
The Roos entered the contest with a couple of changes to their line-up, with co-captain Jedd Longmire coming into the side in place of his cousin Will Chandler, while Will Forrest replaced Tom McCaffery.
Tex Longmire soon added to the Roos’ fast start, bobbing up to kick his first major of the afternoon as Corowa continued to have the ascendancy.
Jayden Forge put his best foot forward as one of the best for the Roos in a lopsided affair.
Purcell was proving a constant threat around the forward line, with his pressure and ability to create opportunities causing headaches for the Magpies’ defence.
However, Wangaratta began to settle into the contest late in the opening term, with two late majors shifting the momentum and giving the visitors an important lift heading into the first break.
The Magpies then put the foot down in the second term, lifting their pressure and taking control of the contest.
Corowa struggled to match Wangaratta around the stoppages, with the Pies repeatedly winning the ball at the source and forcing the Roos onto the back foot.
Their ability to win contested possessions and quickly transition the ball forward made it difficult for Corowa to regain control.
Will Axleby continued to be a major contributor for Corowa, his recent recommitment to the club for the 2027 season provides further encouragement producing one of his best performances of the season with 41 disposals, four clearances and nine contested possessions.
Forrest brothers Tom and Will in action for the Roos on Saturday.
Tom Forrest and Tom Longmire were among Corowa’s better performers as the Roos continued to battle, but the class and depth of the ladder leaders eventually proved too much.
The Magpies ran away with the contest in the second half to secure a commanding 15-goal victory, leaving the Roos with plenty to reflect on.
Despite the disappointing result, Corowa will have little time to dwell on the loss, with attention now turning towards next week’s clash with Lavington.
The Roos will see the encounter as an opportunity to respond strongly, with a much-needed win within reach as they look to bounce back from Saturday’s heavy defeat.
Development Squad
The Corowa Rutherglen Development Squad in action on the weekend.
Corowa Rutherglen 2.2 14 def by Wangaratta 22.14 146
Goals: Max Delamere 2
Best: Deaken Clancy, Tommy Allison, Angus Massey, Deklan Yates, Ethan Lane, William Bott
Corowa Rutherglen were outclassed by a polished Wangaratta Magpies outfit in a heavy defeat.
The Roos started brightly, with youngster Max Delamere booting two early goals to give Corowa a promising start.
However, it wasn’t long before the Magpies found their rhythm and began to take control of the contest.
Clancy worked tirelessly in the ruck, competing hard throughout the afternoon, while the usual suspects in Allison, Massey and Yates continued to provide plenty of physicality around the ground.
Despite the Magpies piling on the goals, Corowa’s defenders continued to fight hard, with Ethan Lane and Will Bott working tirelessly to repel the constant pressure.
Under 18s
Corowa Rutherglen 1.2 8 def by Wangaratta 17.14 116
Corowa Rutherglen’s Under 18s faced a tough challenge against ladder-leading Wangaratta, with the young Roos unable to contain the Magpies’ scoring power.
Vice-captain Noah McSweeney was immense for the Roos, leading by example and showing plenty of encouraging signs throughout the contest.
Max Delamere was able to bob up and kick the Roos’ sole goal, providing a much-needed moment of joy, but the Magpies proved far too strong, running away with an 18-goal victory.
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