Well over his opponent in this ruck duel is Roo Nathan Richards.
Corowa-Rutherglen 8.8.56 defeated by North Albury 15.10.100
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Goals: K Bradtke 7, J Foote 1.
Best: K Bradtke, N Amery, J Foote, D Melksham, J Rowston, C Schutt.
A seven-goal performance from Kaelan Bradtke wasn’t enough to get the Roos over the line, as a surging North Albury stormed home in the final term to claim an eight-goal win.
The Roos were hoping to bring the same intensity they showed against reigning premiers Wangaratta Rovers last week into last Saturday’s clash with second-placed North Albury.
A genuine shootout loomed between the league’s two prominent forwards, Bradtke and North Albury’s Josh Murphy. The first seven minutes set the tone, with both players trading early goals.
A few key omissions — including Jedd Longmire, who received a late call-up to Werribee — opened the door for Jayden Forge to make his senior debut.
Forge became a third-generation to play senior football for Corowa-Rutherglen adding a special moment to the club’s history books, (all wearing the number three).
Despite a reshuffled midfield, recruit Jordan Foote and big man Nathan Richards stood tall when it mattered. Foote was superb in reading Richards’ hitouts, forming a strong one-two combination through the middle.
Noah Amery excelled with everything thrown at him, collecting 18 disposals and five clearances. He demonstrated perseverance and seized his opportunity in the midfield with impressive impact.
While the scoreboard gradually drifted away from the Roos, Bradtke was a dominant force up forward — presenting well, converting cleanly and leading by example.
Roo Ray Murphy breaks away with the football.
The third quarter highlighted Corowa-Rutherglen’s strength in transition, moving the ball end-to-end with frenetic pace. The key for the Roos will be maintaining that intensity across four full quarters, rather than in bursts.
Ultimately, North Albury proved too strong, running away with a convincing win showing they are an emerging force in the Ovens and Murray.
Corowa-Rutherglen now turns its attention to an upbeat Lavington Panthers side in what shapes as a compelling contest next weekend.
Reserves - gutsy win after slow start
Corowa-Rutherglen 9.6.50 defeated North Albury 4.6.30
Jordan Eyres kicks his team forward in the Reserves.
Corowa-Rutherglen’s development squad has taken another step forward, defeating North Albury in a hard-fought slog on Saturday.
The Roos welcomed several key inclusions, with Jordy Eyers, Jesse Johnstone (return from injury), Ben Black, Deaken Clancy, and Joey Ugle all returning to the side.
The biggest return came in the form of Dean Druce, who played his first game since last year’s clash against Myrtleford.
The first half was a grind, with both teams applying constant pressure but struggling to convert on the scoreboard. Rain made conditions difficult and neither side could gain a clear advantage in the wet.
The second half brought a shift — both in weather and in attitude. Corowa-Rutherglen’s backline, led by Jackson Richardson, stood tall and was instrumental in shutting down the Hoppers’ forwards.
Jordan Eyers was classy throughout the match, weaving through traffic and making the most of every disposal.
Judd Kuschert gets up high to mark over opponents.
Deaken Clancy made a statement in his return, slotting four crucial majors to break open the contest and halt North Albury’s momentum.
In the final quarter, Dean Druce and Joey Ugle were both thrown forward, and the move paid dividends — each hitting the scoreboard with goals to seal the deal.
The Roos ran out 30-point winners, improving their season record to 5-3.
It’s a strong position to be in as they prepare for a blockbuster clash against third-placed Lavington next weekend.
Goals: D Clancy 4, J Ugle 2, D Druce 1,J Eyres 1, J Kuschert 1.
Thirds
Corowa Rutherglen 3.3.21 defeated by North Albury 8.14.62.
In cold and miserable conditions, Corowa Rutherglen’s under 18s showed great effort but fell short against a strong North Albury outfit, going down 8.14. 62 to 3.3.21.
Despite bringing high energy and forcing multiple turnovers, the Roos couldn’t convert their pressure into goals.
Their midfield was outmuscled for much of the game, putting the backline under heavy strain.
Archer Coppolino was a standout in defence, consistently turning back North Albury attacks.
Despite bringing high energy the Roos couldn’t convert their pressure into goals in the thirds.
Flynn Byrnes was outstanding in the midfield all game, while Zach Arnold impressed with his work rate and composure. Jay Lavis set the tone early with his physical presence, and Hunter Hall gave the Roos several key rebounds from the back half.
The young Roos will look to bounce back next round after a gutsy showing in tough conditions.
Lucas Webb gave fans something to cheer about with a much-needed goal in the second half, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit.
The young Roos will look to bounce back next round after a gutsy showing in tough conditions.
Goals: L Webb 1, I Dickinson 1, J Massey-chase 1.
Best: A Coppolina, F Byrnes, J Lavis, L Webb, J Massey-Chase, H Hall.
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