Wodonga Raiders 1.5, 2.8, 6.11, 8.14.62.
Corowa Rutherglen 2.2, 8.5, 11.6, 14.9.93.
Goals: Wodonga Raiders: Mitchell Way 2, Chris Anderson 1, Hudsen Gray 1, Indhi Kotzur 1, Archer Scammell 1, Charlie St John 1, Baxter Wilson 1.
Corowa Rutherglen: Brendan Kantilla 5, Kaelan Bradtke 3, Finn Osborne 2, Noah Amery 1, Liam McCarthy 1, Brady Morton 1, Joseph Ugle 1.
Best: Wodonga Raiders: Indhi Kotzur, Nick Bracher, Corey Rich, Harvey Cribbes, Will Fordham, Beau O’Neill.
Corowa Rutherglen: Tom Forrest, Brendan Kantilla, Jack Rowston, Jordan Foote, Joseph Ugle, Josh Cresswell.
Corowa Rutherglen faced off against the Wodonga Raiders in a clash that shaped as a vital stepping stone for the Roos’ second half of the season.
The Raiders started strongly, building momentum in the early stages of the first term. But it was a moment of brilliance from Kalen Bradtke—a stunning goal—that sparked the Roos into action.
In recent weeks, Corowa have shown a growing ability to stay in contests especially playing against the top four sides in the last four weeks. That resilience was on full display Saturday.
Coach Daryn Cresswell’s men elevated their game in the second quarter, producing a dominant six-goal-to-one term that completely shifted momentum in Corowa’s favour.
New recruit Brandan Kantilla—recruited from the Tiwi Islands and connected through senior assistant Joel Price—delivered a forward-line masterclass.
His flair and poise were on show, weaving past opponents, selling candy even a crazy backflip, and delivering five goals from just eight possessions in an electric performance.
The game was a testament to the Roos’ recent progress, with their game plan clicking and every player contributing.
One standout was Tom Forrest, who continues to elevate his game to new heights. Forrest was a pillar in defence, commanding the air with an incredible 11 intercept marks in what could only be described as a defender’s dream.
Since the departure of Ryan Eyers to Werribee, Forrest has stepped up as the key tall in the backline—and it’s paying dividends.
A minor lapse in the third term allowed the Raiders to claw back some momentum, demanding leaders to step up. Jack Rowston answered the call, collecting 32 disposals and leading by example with his relentless attack on the ball.
Finn Osborne added run and dash through the middle, pushing forward and finishing with two goals—one of them a brilliant boundary-line effort in the final quarter that sealed the game.
The Roos ultimately ran out 31-point winners in a complete team performance.
Attention now turns to this weekend’s challenge against Yarrawonga, where Corowa Rutherglen will aim to back it up and build crucial consistency heading into the back half of the season.
Roos Reserves throw away costly opportunity
Wodonga Raiders 7.8.50 def Corowa Rutherglen 4.7.31.
The Corowa Rutherglen Development Squad faced off against the Wodonga Raiders on Saturday in a pivotal match aimed at creating separation from the bottom five on the ladder.
There were a few changes to the lineup, including the return of Deaken Clancy after a few weeks playing senior football.
The Roos hoped to replicate last week’s strong start — early goals and scoreboard pressure — but this game didn’t follow the same script.
Kicking only four points at halftime, skill errors proved costly, with the Raiders holding a three-goal advantage.
After the break, the Roos came out firing, kicking three quick goals to close the gap to just three points. However, they couldn’t sustain the momentum.
The Raiders steadied and ran out the game, capitalising on missed opportunities from Corowa Rutherglen both in front of goal and across the ground.
Next week shapes as another must-win as the squad looks to hold its position in the top five when they take on Yarrawonga.
Goals: Not submitted
Best: Jesse Johnstone, Judd Kuschert, Deklan Yates, Peter Whyte, Jackson Richardson, Mak Lavis.
Thirds
Wodonga Raiders 10.8.68 def Corowa Rutherglen 3.7.25.
The Corowa Rutherglen Under 18s went into the weekend’s match against the Wodonga Raiders feeling hopeful. With several key players returning, it was a big opportunity for the Roos to secure a win after a few tough weeks.
They got off to a strong start, with Isaac Dickinson getting his hands on the ball early and the midfield taking control around the contest.
However, costly turnovers going into their forward half proved damaging, as Wodonga capitalised on the mistakes and converted their chances at the other end.
At half-time, the Under 18s trailed by three goals and were yet to display the form they had shown in recent weeks.
There were strong individual performances from Hunter Hall, Jay Lavis, Jayden Forge, and Archer Coppolino, who all contributed well—but it wasn’t enough on the day.
The Under 18s now turn their focus to a must-win clash against Yarrawonga this weekend, as they fight to keep their finals hopes alive.
Goals: Isaac Dickinson 2, Jayden Forge 1.
Best: Zach Arnold, Lucas Webb, Jayden Forge, Hunter Hall, Archer Coppolino, Jay Lavis.