Best: Raymond Murphy, Kaelan Bradtke, Darcy Hope, Riley Irvin, Jordan Eyers, Tyler Roos.
Corowa Rutherglen are officially on the board for season 2025, posting a dominant 69-point win over the Wodonga Raiders in front of a bumper 2,500-strong home crowd.
Playing their first game at John Foord Oval since last August's unforgettable triumph, the Roos exploded out of the gates.
Former junior Kaelan Bradtke struck the first blow, slotting a goal within the opening minute after a clean clearance from the centre.
The bumper 2,500-strong home crowd at John Foord Oval on Saturday.
The midfield brigade of Nathan Richards, Tyler Roos, Josh Clayton and Ray Murphy was instrumental, consistently generating forward momentum and giving the Roos’ attack plenty of opportunities to capitalise.
“We’re still working out a few players and where they’re best suited,” head coach Daryn Cresswell said after the game.
Roos Liam McCarty flys for a mark in front of a big home crowd.
Despite holding only a narrow lead at the main break, the Roos gained a crucial edge when Darcy Hope kicked a timely major on the half-time siren, giving Corowa a 15-point buffer heading into the sheds.
From there, the Roos lifted another gear. Bradtke (ending up with five goals), Ugle and McCarthy all hit the scoreboard in the third term as Corowa surged ahead to a commanding 43-point lead at the final change.
“I think we’re starting to hit our niche of what we want to look like,” Cresswell added.
The backline deserves plenty of credit, with co-captains Joe Hansen and Cody Schutt, along with Riley Irvin, showing poise and control to keep the Raiders to just three goals across four quarters.
Riley Irvin reaches for this mark in front of Wodonga Raiders’ players.
Deniliquin product Ray Murphy was a standout and earned best-on-ground honours with a relentless four-quarter performance, showcasing why he’s on a VFL list with his work rate and ability to generate forward entries.
The final siren saw the Roos home in emphatic fashion, improving to 1-1 on the ladder.
Next week, they’ll host an under-manned Yarrawonga outfit at John Foord Oval as they look to build on the momentum.
‘You’re clear’ yells Joey Ugle to teammate Elijah Amery.
Best: Deaken Clancy, Hugh Canning, William Bott, Mak Lavis, Nicholas Wright, Fletcher Parker.
After a gutsy Round 1 win over reigning premiers Wangaratta Magpies, Corowa Rutherglen's reserves continued the club’s strong start to the 2025 season with a commanding victory over a youthful Wodonga Raiders side on Easter Saturday.
Just like their senior counterparts, coaches Ben Talarico and Sam Haigh stressed the importance of a fast start — aiming to avoid giving the Raiders early momentum.
Despite conceding the first goal, the Roos responded quickly and never looked back.
Former junior Deaken Clancy was the clear standout, winding back the clock with a performance to remember.
Deaken Clancy was the clear standout in the reserves booting 11 goals.
Nicknamed "Slink," Clancy was near-unstoppable in front of goal, clunking marks and converting almost every opportunity. His dominant display — finishing with an incredible 11 goals — was a timely reminder of his growth since returning from CDHBU and filled a gap the Roos sorely missed last year.
The day also marked a heartwarming moment with Hayden Sampson returning to the field after three years out of the game, his goal drawing rapturous celebrations from teammates and supporters alike.
Captains Mak Lavis and Bailey Prinag led by example during key moments, while local favourite Dr Nick Wright showed typical courage, putting his body on the line at every contest.
New recruits Noah Amery, Hugh Canning and Fletcher Parker impressed through the midfield, using their experience and composure to generate consistent drive and set up scoring chances.
Down back, the ever-reliable Will Bott stood tall, locking down defensively and playing a key role in limiting the Raiders’ forward impact.
The Roos Development squad ran out with their biggest win since Round 13, 2022 — coincidentally also against Wodonga Raiders — capping off a great day for the club and setting a strong foundation for the season ahead.
Thirds’ Roos improve
Wodonga Raiders 78 def Corowa Rutherglen 62
Best: Deagan Purcell, Isaac Dickinson, Jay Lavis, Angus Coghill, Jayden Forge, Flynn Byrnes.
The under 18s had a great start to their first home game of the season against the Wodonga Raiders.
Jayden Forge got to work early in the mid field, winning some key clearances and setting up Deagan Purcell and Jonah Massey-Chase in the forward line.
The young Roos were amazing in defence and looked to change angles and kick over a hardened Raiders defensive line.
Isaac Dickson left his mark on the game, being a threat inside 50 and also through the ruck at times.
As the game continued, Raiders started to win the midfield battle and kick three unanswered goals to get back into the game.
The third quarter was an arm wrestle, with teams exchanging goals throughout the term.
Jay Lavis and Angus Coghill were classy in defence and took the game on at all costs while Flynn Byrnes kicked two pivotal goals while resting forward.
Unfortunately, the under 18s couldn’t sustain their hard work for the whole game and the classy Raiders got on top in the last quarter.
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