Best: Nathan Richards, Kaelan Bradtke, Tyler Roos, Cody Schutt, Jack Rowston, Brady Morton.
Corowa-Rutherglen may have fallen short on the scoreboard, but they walked away from Saturday's clash with the Wangaratta Rovers with heads held high after a gutsy final-quarter surge that reminded fans just how much heart this young side has.
The Rovers, coming into the match as heavy favourites and perched firmly in the Ovens & Murray Football League’s upper echelon, were made to earn their 100–80 win on Saturday.
While the scoreboard will show a 20-point victory at WJ Findlay Oval, the Roos’ six-goal final term sent a clear message — they are not a side to be taken lightly.
After three quarters where the Rovers showcased their trademark polish and forward-line firepower, many in the crowd feared the game could blow out. But Corowa-Rutherglen had other ideas.
Led by a dominant performance from ruckman Nathan Richards, who gave the Roos’ midfield first use in the contest, the home side came roaring back into the game in the final term.
Richards was instrumental in turning the tide, giving the likes of Kaelan Bradtke and Tyler Roos the platform to push the ball forward with confidence and pace.
Roos, in particular, was everywhere when the game was on the line. His work rate across midfield and willingness to drive the ball forward gave the team momentum when they needed it most. Tyler Roos finished the day with three goals.
Bradtke, who booted five goals, showed composure beyond his years, whilst captain Cody Schutts’ creativity and courage through the back half helped spark the late rally.
Jack Rowston and Brady Morton also stood tall under pressure, providing calm heads and steady hands as Corowa-Rutherglen piled on scoreboard pressure late in the game.
Rowston’s rebound off half-back repeatedly cut through the Rovers’ structure, while Morton played a critical role during the final push.
Though the Rovers maintained control for much of the first three quarters, their defence was tested repeatedly in the final stanza.
Corowa-Rutherglen’s refusal to roll over turned what looked like a regulation win for the Rovers into a tense final few minutes.
The Rovers, for their part, were clinical when it mattered, with their experienced heads guiding them through patches where the Roos threatened to steal the momentum completely.
But they would also acknowledge the pressure applied in the final term — a warning to other contenders that Corowa-Rutherglen isn’t here to make up numbers.
While the four points went back to Wangaratta, the Roos can take plenty of positives into next week. They showed belief, toughness, and a never-say-die attitude — the kind that builds clubs, not just results.
Reserves
An undermanned Reserves went down 4.4.28 to Wang Rovers 14.11.95.
Best: J Richardson, J Ugle, D Yates, H Canning, B Minogue, M Lavis.
Under 18s
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 19.9.123 def Corowa-Rutherglen 3.5.23
Best: Jayden Forge, Jay Lavis, Hunter Hall, Lucas Webb, Isaac Dickinson, Archer Coppolino.
It was a cold start to the day, with the under 18s travelling to Wangaratta to take on the ladder leaders Wangaratta Rovers.
Having only 19 players available due to injuries, the side knew it would be a challenging game.
The match started at a blistering pace, with Corowa- Rutherglen finding the early lead thanks to a classy goal from Leroy Chester, snapping across his body.
The effort and intensity were the best it’s been this season for the Under 18s, and it was no surprise they were right in the contest after leading in centre clearances and inside 50s.
However, sustaining such an effort for four quarters is difficult with limited rotations.
Rovers started controlling the middle of the field, putting significant pressure on the backline.
While the score line started to progress further towards Wangaratta’s way, the young Roos wouldn’t go away.
Leaders Isaac Dickinson, Brodie Eyres, Jay Lavis and Jayden Forge were instrumental with their consistency and effort all game.
Meanwhile, small forwards Jett Paul and Lucas Webb supplied plenty of pressure around the contest.
Suffering their heaviest loss of the season, the Roos left with high spirits and a great sense of connection which will greatly assist them in this weekend’s class with North Albury.
AWJFL
Under 16s
Lavington 15.14 104 def Corowa 5.6 36
Best: Hudson Kuschert, William Massey, Austin Ross-Anderson, Jack Torney, Nate Jones, Harry Norman.
Under 14s
Lavington 7.7 49 def Corowa 6.5 41
Best: Jake Witherden, Ollie Mathews, Joshua Parker, Jagger Doody, Blair Anthony Livingston-Laing, Thomas Bonnitcha.
Under 12s had the bye
Roos Female Football
Open Women tram had the bye
Under 17s
North Albury 2.2 14 def by Corowa 5.6 36
Best: Abbey Ibrahim, Kaity Ford, Ebony Chapman, Grace Richmond, Lilyana Murray-Wright, Allira Watts.
Under 14s
North Albury 0 def by Corowa 8.4 52
Best: Millie Hahn-Browne, Marli Upton, Jenny Lord, Isabelle Gardiner, Sophie Norris, Tilley Reeves.
Under 12s
North Albury 9.7 61 def Corowa 7.4 46
Best: Matilda Brown, Zoie Johnson-Wood, Thea Davis, Lily Kiely, Amelia Kelly, Ivy Massari.
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