Corowa Rutherglen 9.13 67 def by Wodonga Raiders 10.8 68
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Goals: Kealan Bradtke 4; McCaffey, McCarthy 2; Curry 1
Best: Will Chandler, Tom McCaffery, Brodie Eyers, Jordan Eyers, Kealan Bradtke, Ejliah Amery
Wodonga Raiders have spoiled Joe Hansen’s 200th senior league game, edging out Corowa-Rutherglen by a single point in a thrilling contest at John Foord Oval on Saturday.
With a damp surface and difficult conditions, a low-scoring battle was always on the cards.
Fresh from last week’s win over Albury, the Roos were aiming to make it back-to-back victories.
The return of key forward Kaelan Bradtke provided a significant boost for Corowa-Rutherglen, with the big man replacing co-captain Jedd Longmire, who had been recalled for VFL duties with Sydney.
Bradtke made an immediate impact, kicking the opening goal just three minutes into the first quarter.
The Raiders responded through dangerous forward Tom Bracher, whose influence was expected after nearly leading the Raiders to victory when the sides met in Round Four.
Bradtke restored the Roos’ advantage late in the opening term with a classy snap from deep in the pocket, delighting the home crowd.
As the rain intensified in the second quarter, scoring opportunities became scarce.
The Raiders managed to level the scores before Bradtke bobbed up for his third goal to reclaim the lead for the Roos.
Co-captain Will Chandler led from the front, using the ball superbly and showing composure under pressure throughout the contest.
Liam McCarthy then provided a huge lift for Corowa-Rutherglen, slotting a brilliant goal hard against the boundary on the half-time siren to send the Roos into the main break with momentum.
Veteran Tom McCaffery produced another polished performance in the third quarter, kicking two goals while displaying the class and experience that has made him such a valuable contributor throughout this year.
Each time the Roos looked set to seize control, the Raiders found a response, refusing to let the game slip away.
Elijah Amery showed plenty of promise, consistently applying pressure, staying poised under pressure, and making a strong impact all day.
At the final break, coach Daryn Creswell challenged his leaders to lift, with the significance of Hansen’s milestone adding further motivation for the home side.
The final quarter developed into a fierce arm wrestle.
Brothers Brodie and Jordan Eyers were outstanding in the contest, displaying tremendous courage and determination.
Angus Curry broke the deadlock nine minutes into the term to lift the Roos before McCarthy added his second of the afternoon, giving Corowa-Rutherglen what appeared to be a match-winning advantage.
However, costly lapses in concentration and ill-disciplined free kicks allowed the Raiders back into the contest.
Wodonga capitalised with the final two goals of the game to snatch a dramatic one-point victory, leaving the Roos heartbroken and denying Hansen a fairytale result in his 200th senior appearance.
Development Squad
Roos with a strong gritty win
Corowa Rutherglen 10.6 66 def Wodonga Raiders 4.6 30
Goals: Rory O'Brien 3; Sam Haigh, Taj Smith 2; Deakan Clancy, Josh Pagan-Saunders, Austin Ross-Anderson 1
Best: Rory O'Brien, Tommy Allison, Bill Hansen, Deakan Clancy, Angus Massey, Deaklan Yates
The Corowa-Rutherglen Development Squad produced a gritty, full-team performance to record an impressive 36-point victory over the Raiders.
The Raiders struck first with the opening major, but Taj Smith responded moments later to settle the Roos before Rory O’Brien added another to keep the momentum swinging.
The big man who works in emergency services answered the call when it mattered most, proving his “SOS” was just what the side needed, landing three handy goals.
Former coach Sam Haigh then rammed home his first goal to reduce the margin to just one goal at quarter-time.
The Roos welcomed Bill Hansen into the line-up, and his experience proved invaluable.
Hansen’s composure with ball in hand and calm decision-making gave the side plenty of confidence throughout the contest.
From there, the Roos took control, maintaining the momentum for the remainder of the game.
Several miraculous goals lifted the boys and ensured they kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The midfield group was outstanding all afternoon; Massey, Allison, Yates, Hansen and Clancy were relentless around the contest, driving the ball forward repeatedly and creating plenty of scoring opportunities.
It was a complete team performance, with every player contributing to a well-deserved 36-point win.
Under 18s
Ever improving Roos fall to Raiders
Corowa Rutherglen 4.7 31 def by Wodonga Raiders 11.11 77
Goals: Harrison Webb 2; Will Forrest, Beau Benton 1
Best: Will Forrest, Nate Jones, Zach Arnold, Will Linden, Austin Ross-Anderson, Harry Webb
The Corowa-Rutherglen Under 18s produced a vastly improved performance from their Round 4 meeting, delivering one of their strongest team displays of the season.
Despite creating several forward 50 entries, the Roos were unable to capitalise on their opportunities and apply sustained scoreboard pressure.
Will Forrest was once again a standout, finding plenty of the football and providing plenty of drive through the midfield.
The Roos welcomed two valuable inclusions from the Under 16s, with Harry Webb and Nate Jones making an immediate impact.
Webb made the most of his opportunity, finishing with two goals, while Jones looked right at home, matching the pace and intensity of the contest.
A change in the ruck also paid dividends, with Bill Linden providing first-class service to the midfielders and giving the Roos an advantage around the stoppages.
Austin Ross-Anderson continued his impressive form with another strong performance.
His efforts earned him a promotion to the reserves, highlighting both his skill and his determination to continue improving.
In the end, the Raiders proved too strong, but full credit goes to the Roos.
Against one of the competition’s stronger sides, they produced one of their best performances of the year and showed encouraging signs of their continued development.