Corowa Rutherglen has fallen to 1-5 to start the 2025 Ovens & Murray season following a hard-fought clash with the Wodonga Bulldogs at John Foord Oval on Saturday.
Continuing a worrying trend from the past fortnight, the Roos again found themselves on the back foot early.
The Bulldogs burst out of the blocks with a three-goal blitz that caught Corowa off guard and set the tone for the match.
Star forward Darcy Hope was a standout for the home side, delivering a crucial three-goal opening term to keep Corowa within reach and lift team morale.
Jedd Longmire lays a strong tackle.
Despite a slight push, Roo Brady Morton still managed to haul the ball in for a mark.
His presence and leadership up front continue to underline his status as one of the competition’s premier forwards.
Roos’ coach Darryn Cresswell demanded a lift, and the team responded early in the second quarter with goals from Jordan Foote and Kaelan Bradtke cutting the margin to just 15 points.
However, costly errors and missed opportunities continued to haunt the Roos, leaving the coaching staff frustrated and searching for answers.
A key tactical move saw former VFL-listed player Tyler Roos shifted into defence in an attempt to stem Wodonga’s scoring. While the adjustment added stability down back, it came at the cost of attacking firepower.
The third term saw Corowa dominate inside 50s and control much of the play, but their inability to convert pressure into scoreboard impact left the door open for the Bulldogs.
A spark came early in the final quarter when Bradtke booted a crucial goal that sent the Corowa bench into a frenzy and gave the team belief of a late surge.
Despite their efforts, a series of missed chances and untimely setbacks saw the Roos fall short, ultimately going down by 21 points, 11.12.78 to 8.9.57.
The Roos now enter the interleague bye week before preparing to take on reigning premiers Wangaratta Rovers at W.J. Findlay Oval.
Development squad’s gutsy win
With ball in hand, Hugh Canning looks to kick to a teammate.
Corowa Rutherglen’s development squad is back on the winners’ list after a hard-fought and determined victory over a spirited Wodonga Bulldogs.
Club stalwart Kade Kuschert and youngster Jack Keys set the tone early, slotting important opening goals, backed by strong midfield delivery into the forward 50.
With key forward Deakan Clancy missing for the third consecutive week, the Roos were forced to adjust their attacking structure but adapted well under pressure.
Roo Bailey Minogue fists the football away from opposition players.
The second quarter was a scrappy affair, with both sides missing key opportunities.
Young gun Taj Smith broke through with a crucial major, though both coaches were left frustrated by their teams’ inaccuracy and decision-making under pressure.
Football journeyman Deky Yates was a standout, providing leadership and energy across the ground. His voice and work rate helped drive the Roos forward, earning him players’ player honours in a commanding performance.
In the third term, Mark Athanitis, Degan Purcell and Bailey Minogue turned up the heat, each hitting the scoreboard with valuable goals that swung momentum Corowa’s way.
Defensively, Luke Heagney and Aaron Spencer were given the tough assignment of shutting down Wodonga’s most dangerous player. Their disciplined efforts went a long way to blunting the Bulldogs’ impact and proved crucial in the final outcome.
Luke Heagney in action with the Development Squad.
With the game in the balance late, Deagan Purcell and Judd Kuschert stepped up to deliver the knockout blows, sealing an 11-point victory for the Roos, 8.7.55 to 6.8.44.
Just like the Seniors, the Development squad now prepares for a massive challenge against, Wangaratta Rovers. It’s a test the young Roos will face head-on, ready to fight until the final siren.
Corowa-Rutherglen 8.7.55 def Wodonga 6.8.44
Best: Deklan Yates, Hugh Canning, Judd Kuschert, Tom Young, Bailey Minogue, Jack Keys.
Under 18s
Despite a tough day on the scoreboard and a performance that lacked polish in execution, there were plenty of encouraging signs from the Under 18s in their weekend clash.
While the skills may have faltered at times—resulting in missed opportunities and turnovers—the Roos took significant strides in implementing their game plan and sticking to their method across four quarters.
In what was a physically demanding contest, the players showed maturity in maintaining structure and intensity, even when momentum didn’t go their way.
One of the standout performers was Angus Coghill. His composure with the ball and voice on the field proved vital as the side battled to gain control in critical moments.
Degan Purcell gets up high to contest this ruck duel.
Down back, Brodie Eyres was a rock. Time and again, Eyres repelled opposition entries with strength and smart positioning, setting up rebound plays and showing real leadership in the defensive half.
Up forward, Jett Paul provided plenty of spark, constantly presenting as a target and never giving up on a contest. His second and third efforts embodied the spirit the Roos are looking to bring week in and week out.
Lucas Webb continued his development with a polished performance on the wing.
Webb’s ability to find space and link up with teammates helped drive the ball forward and give the Roos much-needed movement through the middle of the ground.
Perhaps the most inspiring performance came from Corey Manjanovic, who left everything out on the field. His attack on the footy and willingness to throw himself into the contest set the tone for his teammates and was a reminder of the grit this young Roos side is capable of producing.
It was a physically demanding contest in the Undr 18s match.
Coach and players alike will admit the execution wasn’t where it needed to be, but there’s no doubt the team is on the right track when it comes to system and intent.
With a soul-searching week ahead, the Roos now face a critical moment in their season. It’s time to look within, regroup and commit to the challenge of the next two-thirds of the year with the belief that their best footy is still to come.
The Corowa Rutherglen Female Roos Open Women’s team celebrated their second win for the season with a strong win against the Thurgoona Bulldogs at Thurgoona on Sunday. Despite being hit by injuries and only fielding 16 on the ground, the Women’s team fought hard and led at every change to break away with an impressive 38-point win.
The Under 14s also won against Wodonga Raiders, with the Under 17s and Under 12s being defeated. The Under 17s, Under 14 and Under 12s female football teams will now enjoy a week’s break. The Women’s team will have a three-week break due to the long weekend and byes and will play their next game on June 15 against Wangaratta Rovers.
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