Corowa Rutherglen 6.15 51 def by Wodonga 11.10 76
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Goals: Bradtke 3, McCaffery, McCarthy, Purcell 1
Best: Tom Forrest, Jordan Eyers, Liam Mccarthy, Raven Jolliffe, Jackson Richardson, Will Axelby
In a defensive round 11 game Corowa-Rutherglen fell to Wodonga Bulldogs by 25 points in an inconsistent performance at Martin Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs burst out of the blocks, with Tom O'Sullivan kicking the opening goal within minutes to lift the home crowd.
Wodonga has surprised many pre-season tipsters in 2026, putting itself firmly in finals contention after impressive victories over Myrtleford and Albury.
The Roos responded quickly through reigning Doug Strang Medallist Kealan Bradtke, who slammed home his first major of the afternoon.
However, a string of missed opportunities in front of goal proved costly.
Despite controlling large periods of the opening quarter, Corowa-Rutherglen managed just 1.6 and should have established a handy lead.
With a few late changes before the bounce, gifted youngster Will Forrest and ruckman Jackson Broadbent made their senior debuts.
Broadbent impressed immediately, finishing with 27 hit-outs, five contested possessions and three clearances in a promising first outing.
Although the Roos held a slight edge during the second quarter, they needed to nullify the Bulldogs' key playmakers.
Jordan Eyers did an excellent job restricting Noah Spiteri, while Jackson Richardson attempted to restrict Matthew Wilson quiet for much of the afternoon, with both defenders standing up when required.
Liam McCarthy extended the Roos' advantage early in the second term, pushing the margin to nine points before the Bulldogs hit back with consecutive goals to regain the lead.
Tom Forrest was once again influential across half-back, taking several intercept marks that continually frustrated the Bulldogs' forward entries.
Late in the half, Degan Purcell produced a determined chase on the interchange wing before earning a 50-metre penalty following undisciplined Bulldogs play.
The youngster calmly converted to keep the Roos within striking distance.
Despite trailing by only nine points at the main break, Wodonga had begun to assert its dominance around the stoppages, leaving Corowa-Rutherglen searching for a lift from its senior players.
Tom McCaffery finished off a clever passage of play early in the third quarter to cut the margin to five points.
Former Bulldogs junior Hudson Garoni, who had spent time with Werribee in the VFL, continued to trouble the Roos' defence and kicked his third goal late in the term before Bradtke responded almost immediately to reduce the deficit back to two points.
A devastating red-time burst ultimately proved the difference.
Trailing by just two points late in the third quarter, Wodonga slammed on two quick goals in the space of three minutes to open a 14-point lead at the final change.
Will Axleby continued to impress with his run and carry, providing plenty of drive throughout the afternoon.
The defining story of the contest was Corowa-Rutherglen's inaccuracy.
The Roos created scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise, allowing the Bulldogs to remain in front and making them pay.
Corowa's hopes of recording its first win over the Bulldogs since Round 16, 2011 slipped away, although Raven Jolliffe continued to inspire the team.
The experienced campaigner repeatedly threw himself into contests, denying the Bulldogs with several courageous defensive efforts.
The Bulldogs eventually ran away with a deserved 25-point victory, while the Roos were left to rue what might have been after their wastefulness in front of goal.
Corowa-Rutherglen now return home for Indigenous Round where they will host Wangaratta Rovers, who enter the clash full of confidence after coming from behind to defeat arch-rivals Wangaratta in Sunday's derby.
Development Squad
Dogs run home in a tight tussle
Corowa Rutherglen 8.4 def by Wodonga 9.13 67
Goals: Kuschert 2, Coppolino, Eder, McWilliams, Schapel, Schmit, Yates 1
Best: Josh Eder, Tommy Allison, Taj Smith, Charlie St John, Jesse Cannell, Deklan Yates
Corowa Rutherglen's Development Squad entered Round 11 full of confidence after breaking their winning drought the previous week and pushed Wodonga all the way before falling by 15 points.
The Bulldogs' inaccurate kicking kept the Roos in the contest early, with Tahj Schapel booting Corowa's first goal late in the opening term to trail by just five points at quarter-time.
The intensity remained high in the second quarter as Lee Schmidt finished off a slick passage of play for his first goal of the afternoon.
Schmidt and Kade Kuschert brought valuable experience to the young Roos outfit, while Aaron McWilliams' major helped Corowa take a one-point lead into half-time.
Wodonga took control in the third term, holding the Roos scoreless to open up a 27-point advantage at the final break.
Josh Eder and Tommy Allison applied relentless pressure, while Taj Smith carried on his strong form from last week.
Charlie St John, Jesse Cannell and Deklan Yates also impressed, with Yates repeatedly throwing himself into contests to drive the ball forward.
Kade Kuschert wound back the clock in the final term, kicking two goals in eight minutes to spark a late comeback.
Yates, Eder and Coppolino also hit the scoreboard, but despite the spirited finish, the Bulldogs held on to win by 15 points.
The Roos now turn their attention to the Wangaratta Rovers as they look to challenge another finals contender.
Under 18s
Bulldogs too strong for young Roos
Corowa Rutherglen 5.3 33 def by Wodonga 16.10 106
Goals: Schapel 2, Chester, Jones, Ross-Anderson
Best: Austin Ross-Anderson, Kairyce Lowah, Noah McSweeney, William Linden, Jensen Perna, Levi Arnold
Corowa Rutherglen's Under 18s were outclassed in the second half as Wodonga pulled away for a 12-goal victory.
The Roos made the perfect start, with Tahj Schapel kicking the opening goal inside the first minute before Nicholas Jones helped reduce the margin to a goal at quarter-time.
Corowa matched the Bulldogs for much of the opening half, with co-coaches Sam Carpenter and Noah Amery urging their side to stay in the contest.
Austin Ross-Anderson and Ky Lowah were again among the Roos' best, consistently finding the footy and working hard around the ground.
Trailing by just 15 points at half-time, the Roos couldn't contain Bulldogs forward Brandon Parkin, who booted five goals to break the game open after the main break.
Noah McSwenney, Bill Linden and Jasen Perna battled hard all morning, while Under 16s Levi Arnold impressed after earning promotion to the Under 18s.
Despite the effort, the Bulldogs proved too strong, running away to a 12-goal win.