Goals: K. Bradtke 4, D. Hope 3, B Morton 2, F. Osborne, L McCarthy, D Clancy, E Amery 1.
Corowa-Rutherglen Roos showed exactly why they’re a side to watch in 2025, pushing the powerhouse hosts Albury Tigers to the limit before narrowly falling short in a two-point heartbreaker.
It was a clash that had everything—ferocity, flair and a touch of brilliance—and it was the Roos who came out breathing fire.
Corowa-Rutherglen burst out of the blocks with a statement first quarter, seizing control of the contest and setting the tone with a slick brand of attacking football that had the Tigers on the back foot early.
The opening term was all about momentum, and the Roos had it in spades. Led by new co-captain Cody Schutt, who continued his stellar form, the Roos dictated the tempo, linking up cleanly through the middle and winning the all-important ground ball battle to lead 7.2 to 3.3.
Kaelan Bradtke was a dominant force up forward, proving a constant headache for the Albury defence.
The key forward imposed himself on the game with four goals, his aerial presence and sharp finishing turning half-chances into scoreboard pressure.
Alongside him, Darcy Hope and Nathan Richards added grunt and class, giving the Roos a well-rounded look inside 50.
One highlight came in the first quarter, when debutant Deakin Clancy announced himself to the senior ranks in spectacular fashion.
From deep on the boundary and a good 50 metres out, the young Roo slotted a stunning goal that brought the Corowa faithful to their feet and seemed to lift the side.
But if there’s one thing the Albury Tigers don’t lack, it’s experience—and that told in the end.
Trailing 7.11 to 12.8 into the final quarter, the Tigers threw everything at Corowa-Rutherglen in a relentless final assault.
Spearheaded by seasoned campaigners Ryan Garthwaite and Luke Carrol, the home side clawed their way back into the contest with hardened bodies and composed football under pressure.
Brady Morton outmarks two Albury opponents.
Despite the Roos’ best efforts to steady late, Albury edged ahead with minutes to go and held on in the dying stages, denying Corowa-Rutherglen what would have been a stirring away victory.
Still, there was no denying the positives for the Roos, who looked every bit a top-tier outfit for three quarters.
Alongside Schutt and Bradtke, the likes of Darcy Melksham, Jayden Butson and Richards featured prominently in a well-rounded team performance.
Roo Joeu Ugle looks to boot the ball to a teammate.
It might not have gone their way on the scoreboard, but this was a performance brimming with promise—one that should give the Roos and their supporters every reason to believe that 2025 holds something special. A far cry from last year’s first round encounter at Corowa. This one was at Albury.
Reserves just short in thriller
In a clash worthy of a grand final preview, Corowa-Rutherglen’s reserves went toe-to-toe with ladder-leaders Albury in a pulsating contest that went down to the wire—ultimately falling short by a single goal in a high-quality affair.
With first playing second, the stakes were high, and it was the Tigers who came out firing, bringing trademark intensity early.
The Roos took a quarter to settle but soon matched Albury’s physicality, working their way back into the game through sheer determination.
Jamie Wells was outstanding across four quarters, proving invaluable as he swung between key positions at either end of the ground. Whether intercepting in defence or presenting up forward, Wells gave everything.
Jack Keys turned in another relentless performance, throwing himself into every contest, while skipper Mak Lavis led from the front—ferocious at the ball and setting the tone for his teammates.
Taj Smith brought the crowd alive with a miracle goal late in the game as the Roos edged their way in front, the goals’ brilliance only matched by its celebration.
With five minutes to play, the Roos looked set to claim a memorable win, but a couple of costly errors opened the door for Albury, who snatched the lead late.
It was a tough loss, but one that is a stark comparison to the 140 point loss to the same side last year.
Corowa-Rutherglen 8.13 (61) def by Albury 10.6 (66).
Best: Jamie Wells, Bailey Minogue, Jackson Richardson, Judd Kuschert, Jack Keys.
Young Roos on the hop
After winning their first game last week, the under 18s were confident travelling to Albury Sports Ground to take on a strong Tigers outfit.
With the focus of connectivity and communication, the Roos set the tone early with their intensity and were quick to celebrate the small moments throughout the game.
The game started well with Jayden Forge and Tex Longmire showcasing their class and winning some key clearances.
All game their presence was heavily felt, using their size and ability to win the ball at pivotal moments.
Thanks to some terrific play by Isaac Dickinson and Deagan Purcell, the Roos got out to an early four goal lead and looked comfortable before Albury launched their counterattack and got themselves right back into the match.
The Tigers and Roos continued to trade goals for the rest of the match, however, it was the Roos that proved to be too good.
Flynn Byrnes was terrific all game, using his speed and smarts to win the ball across the ground while Leroy Chester popped up at key moments to keep the ball moving forward.
Awards: Abe Spencer, Paddy Conroy, Will Torney, Coby Widdison, Jobe Willett, Maxwell McQueen.
Under 12s
Corowa 5.6.36 def St Pats 4.2.26
Awards: Amelliah Hart, Samuel Bellette, Jack Ractliffe, Tyler Mullavey, Mason Skinner, Max Tull.
Lavington too strong for female footballers
After a clean sweep of wins for the female Roos footballers at home last week it was followed by a hard round against the top side of the league in Lavington at their home ground.
7°C