Best: Cody Schutt, Ky Williamson, Thomas Longmire, Liam Mccarthy, Deagan Purcell, Tom Forrest
Corowa-Rutherglen have edged out Wodonga Raiders in a thrilling one-point victory at Biarelle Park, with the contest going down to the final moments.
Coming off the bye, the Roos entered the clash determined to square their season at 2–2, but it was the Raiders who burst out of the blocks.
Spearheaded by forward Tom Bracher, who slotted two of the opening three goals, Wodonga applied early scoreboard pressure and set the tone.
Tom Longmire contesting a mark.
Corowa-Rutherglen faced pre-game challenges with injuries and unavailability forcing several players into unfamiliar roles.
It opened the door for Brodie Eyers and Josh Eder to make a senior debut for the club.
Despite this, co-captain Will Chandler sparked the Roos with their opening major 12 minutes into the first term, before Kealan Bradtke and Purcell added quick goals to bring the visitors back into the contest.
Paddy Lavis with ball in hand.
At quarter time, coach Daryn Creswell emphasised the need to restrict Wodonga’s scoring, and the response was immediate.
Bradtke and Purcell continued to capitalise, helping the Roos build momentum.
However, lapses in discipline allowed the Raiders to stay within striking distance, before Tom Forrest extended Corowa’s lead with a timely goal late in the second term.
Liam McCarthy was influential through the middle, using his pace and run to link up play and drive the Roos forward.
Down back, Cody Schutt, Ky Williamson and Thomas Longmire stood firm under pressure, with Williamson producing one of his best performances for the club.
Holding a 17-point lead at the final change, Corowa-Rutherglen looked in control, but the Raiders surged early in the last quarter, peppering the scoreboard to close the gap.
Recruit Tom McCaffery steadied the Roos with a crucial second goal, halting the momentum.
Kaelan Bradtke taking a mark.
Bracher continued to loom large, adding two more majors to drag Wodonga back in front, before McCaffery responded again with a clutch goal to restore Corowa’s lead in the dying stages.
“What pleased me the most was when we gave up a lead in the last quarter, we were able to get it back,” Creswell said.
The game had one final dramatic moment, with Bracher breaking into an open goal before former captain Joe Hansen produced a desperate run-down tackle in the goal square to seal a remarkable win for the Roos.
Creswell praised his side post-match, adding: “We wanted to be 2–2, and we’ll take that and celebrate these wins.”
Corowa-Rutherglen will now turn their attention to a home clash against Yarrawonga, shaping as another enthralling contest.
Development Sqaud
Roos lower colours vs Raiders
Roos 5.5 35 def by Raiders 19.12 126
Goals: Bilney 2, Spencer, Arnold, Smith
Best: Deklan Yates, Ethan Lane, Samuel Haigh, Zach Arnold, Taj Smith, Sam Carpenter
Blake Bliney tackling, with Tommy Alison and Lee Schmidt.
Corowa-Rutherglen’s development side has fallen to a strong Wodonga Raiders outfit, going down by 15 goals after a difficult start at Biarelle Park.
The Roos were put under pressure early, with the Raiders gaining control from the outset and forcing Corowa onto the back foot for much of the opening term.
Despite the scoreboard, there were positives for the Roos, with the return of experienced campaigners Lee Schmidt, Sam Carpenter and Sam Livingstone.
All three showed glimpses of their class and provided valuable leadership around the ground.
Blake Bilney takes a mark.
Corowa responded strongly in the second quarter, with a ruck change proving pivotal. Ethan Lane’s impact in the middle helped generate momentum, while Blake Bliney and Aaron Spencer capitalised on improved ball movement to hit the scoreboard and give the Roos some ascendancy.
A highlight for the side came through youngster Zach Arnold, who celebrated his first goal at reserves level — a moment well recognised by teammates.
Schmidt also provided a moment of excitement, attempting to launch at a spectacular mark in a bid to turn back the clock, only to fall just short in a wholehearted attempt to show he still has it.
Ultimately, the Raiders proved too strong across four quarters, but the Roos will take lessons from the contest as they regroup ahead of next week’s clash with Yarrawonga.
Ben Black taking a mark.
Thirds
Young Roos unable to catch Raiders
Corowa 0.1 1 def by Raiders 17 11 113
Best: Coppolino, Arnold, Benton, Ross-Anderson, E Lavis, J Lavis
Archer Coppolino tackling.
The Roos faced the Raiders in a tough outing, showing promising ball movement through the middle of the ground but struggling to convert their efforts on the scoreboard.
Unfortunately, missed opportunities proved costly, with the Roos unable to capitalise in front of goal.
Despite the result, Archer Coppolino and Zach Arnold continued their strong form, impressing week in and week out with their consistency and effort.
While the final margin was significant, the Roos tried to remain competitive for periods, just need to do it for longer.
Tommy Alison with Archer Coppolino & Aaron Spencer in support for the development team.
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