Jordan Foote (left) and Angus Curry (right) look to reap the spoils.
Wodonga 3.2, 5.4, 13.4, 15.7.97.
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Corowa Rutherglen 3.0, 4.3, 7.6, 11.8.74.
Goals: Wodonga: Jett Cassidy 3, Jai Hymus 3, Reuben Bourke 2, Tom Miller 2, Adam Jorgensen 1, Kade Mimmo 1, Jack O’Sullivan 1, Tom O’Sullivan 1, Matthew Wilson 1.
Best: Wodonga: Adam Jorgensen, Charlie Morrison, Gabriel Crothers, Jai Hymus, Matthew Wilson, Jett Cassidy.
Corowa Rutherglen: Jordan Eyers, Riley Irvin, Jack Rowston, Josh Cresswell, Brady Morton, Jedd Longmire.
Riley Irvin was the only one to contest this ruck.
Corowa Rutherglen were unable to match Wodonga's third-quarter burst, with the Bulldogs running out 23-point winners at Martin Park on Saturday.
Coming off a tough outing against Myrtleford in trying conditions, the Roos were greeted with sunshine and a fast start—booting the opening two goals to establish early momentum.
Pressure around the contest was a clear focus, with Angus Curry leading the charge. The young gun had a standout performance, collecting 25 disposals (14 contested), six clearances, six tackles, and two goals in a well-rounded display.
Despite Corowa’s intent, Wodonga managed to wrestle back control, kicking four of the next six goals before halftime.
Turnovers by hand and a lack of composure proved costly as the Roos struggled to maintain their early spark.
Ray Murphy takes a strong contested mark.
Senior assistant coach Joel Price praised the first half, labelling it the most consistent showing of the season to that point.
With Kaelan Bradtke well held to just one goal, some positional changes followed.
Co-captain Cody Schutt found the scoreboard with two majors, while Jordan Foote also added a further two.
Down back, Jordan Eyers continued his strong form, producing another composed performance, while the ever-reliable Jack Rowston collected 29 disposals, extending his six-week average to over 25 per game—evidence of his hunger for the footy.
Angus Curry keeps his eye on the ball as Jordan Foote looks to receive.
However, it was the third term that proved decisive. Wodonga piled on eight goals to two in a dominant quarter, exposing a recurring issue for the Roos—playing a full four quarters.
Outside of their standout win against Albury, lapses have repeatedly cost them.
Riley Irvin, Josh Creswell, Brady Morton, and Jedd Longmire were all solid contributors across the day.
Ray Murphy lays this hard tackle as Jordan Foote looks to get in on the action.
Despite a final-quarter fightback, Corowa Rutherglen fell 17 points short. The focus now shifts to building four-quarter consistency as they prepare to face Wangaratta Rovers in what shapes as another big test.
Reserves Bulldogs show fight, Roos don’t show up
Wodonga 10.7.67 def Corowa Rutherglen 7.9.51.
Development’s Caleb Bertram looks to clear the ball under pressure.
Corowa Rutherglen’s development squad made the trip to Martin Park to face the Wodonga Bulldogs in a match that, on paper, looked like a strong chance to bank four points — but the day didn’t go to script.
The Roos welcomed back Jed Ansell and Will Bott, while Mak Lavis was promoted to the seniors and Ben Black was unavailable from the previous game.
The early signs were promising, with Corowa putting some scoreboard pressure on the Bulldogs and starting the match with intent.
But as the game wore on, the Roos’ urgency faded. Competing like their season was on the line seemed more of an afterthought than a focus.
They lacked the drive and composure needed to land a decisive blow and consolidate a top-five spot.
Despite the effort of consistent contributors like Jackson Richardson, Hugh Canning and Caleb Bertram, the Roos couldn’t find a spark when it mattered.
Deakan Clancy hit the scoreboard with four goals, but the damage had been done by then.
Wodonga’s more composed and physical brand of footy proved the difference as they held off a late push to claim the win.
Fortunately for the Roos, they remain in the finals race after North Albury knocked off Wangaratta.
Next up is a crucial test against the Wangaratta Rovers — a chance for the Roos to reset and respond.
Best: Hugh Canning, Caleb Bertram, Bailey Minogue, Jackson Richardson, Fletcher Parker, Joseph Ugle.
Thirds
Wodonga 6.12.48 def Corowa Rutherglen 6.7.43.
Deagan Purcell flies for this strong contested mark in the Thirds.
Saturday's clash between the Corowa-Rutherglen Roos Under 18s and the Wodonga Bulldogs was played in perfect football conditions.
The Roos came out firing, asserting themselves early in the contest with fierce pressure and a willingness to win stoppages across the ground.
Their hunger around the ball paid off, as they took control of the game and looked the better side for much of the first term.
However, late in the first quarter, Wodonga found a way back into the contest. As the ball began to spill out of tight packs, the Bulldogs capitalised on loose possessions and started to shift the momentum their way.
The Roos regained their composure after halftime and made the most of a strong breeze in the third quarter. Using the wind and a wave of momentum, they surged ahead, building a valuable three-goal lead.
Jayden Forge was pivotal in the midfield, standing tall in the contest and repeatedly driving the ball forward. Around him, Flynn Byrnes, Lucas Webb and Jett Paul were clever with their movement, creating space and openings for their teammates.
Down back, Archer Coppolino was a standout, holding firm under pressure and repelling countless Bulldog attacks. He was well supported by the ever-composed Jay Lavis and Tex Longmire, who both showed maturity beyond their years in critical moments.
But as the final term wore on, the Roos' lack of rotations began to tell. Wodonga lifted their intensity and played a fast-paced, attacking style that proved difficult to contain.
The Bulldogs stormed home, taking the lead in the final minutes and holding off a brave Corowa fightback.
Despite a gallant effort, the Roos fell just short, going down by five points in a thriller.
The young Roos can hold their heads high, showing plenty of promise and grit in what was a quality four-quarter battle.
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