Brendan Kantila kicked a goal in the Roos loss to the Rovers.
Corowa Rutherglen 13.8 84 def b
Corowa Rutherglen 13.8 84 def by Wangaratta Rovers 19.10 124
Goals: Chandler 3, T Longmire, Purcell 2, Eyers, J Longmire, St John, Jolliffe, Lavis, Kantilla 1
Best: Richardson, Mccarthy, Schutt, Chandler, Forrest, T Longmire.
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Corowa Rutherglen have fallen to reigning premiers Wangaratta Rovers by 40 points in a hard-fought contest at W J Findlay Oval on Saturday.
The Roos travelled to Wangaratta full of confidence, prepared to take the game up to the benchmark side.
Corowa struck first, with Charlie St John kicking the opening major of the game nine minutes into the first term.
Rovers responded through big man Will Christie, who chimed in with his first goal six minutes later to level proceedings.
From there, the Rovers began to capitalise on Corowa turnovers - a trend that would continue throughout the afternoon.
After the Rovers built a handy two-goal lead, cousins Will Chandler and Tex Longmire were instrumental in stemming the flow and creating early concerns for the Wangaratta defence.
Deakin Clancy contests for possession in the hotly contested match.
Despite trailing by 12 points at quarter time, it was important for Corowa to remain composed.
However, the second term proved costly, with the Rovers piling on five unanswered goals to take control of the contest.
Tex Longmire and young Degan Purcell provided brief highlights with classy finishes to halt the momentum, but Wangaratta were the slicker side all day.
Their damaging ball movement in transition and from turnover allowed them to play with greater poise and execution than the Roos.
Coach Daryn Creswell addressed the group post-game, acknowledging the need for improvement.
“Our good is good, we just need to tidy up a few areas to make us better,” Creswell said.
The Rovers showcased a blueprint for effective transition football, something Corowa struggled to match.
Kaelan Bradtke had a tough game going up against VFL-listed Jace McQuade.
Key forward Kaelan Bradtke was well held by Essendon VFL-listed defender Jace McQuade, limiting his influence on the contest.
Jackson Richardson took on the role of taking on Rovers captain Tom Boyd and executed it strongly, restricting him to just one goal.
“I just want to congratulate Jacko on what was a great game; he was fantastic,” Creswell said.
Wangaratta put the foot down in the second half, but the Roos showed some late fight with goals to Chandler, Jedd Longmire and Kantila.
Ultimately, the Rovers proved too strong, running out seven-goal winners.
Corowa will now regroup ahead of a clash with the Wodonga Raiders in a fortnight, aiming to square their win-loss record at 2–2 and remain in the hunt.
Development Squad
Resilient Roos improve despite falling
Corowa Rutherglen 4.4 28 def by Rovers 13.17 95
Goals: T Allison, E Lane (2x more by Fill in Rovers Players)
Best: Amery, Eder, Yates, Lane, Eyers, Smith
The development side came to Wangaratta wanting to make a statement to not be pushed around like they were last week against Albury.
Noah Amery and the midfield group brought the heat to the Rovers restricting the free ball movement into their forward line.
The Roos had some Rovers players fill in to help out, including former club senior best and fairest winner Matt Allen’s son Sam Allen, who was able to show some classy skills in defence.
Youngsters Ethan Lane and Brodie Eyers continue to improve and rapidly improving each week providing great effiencenty when hitting up players on the lead.
Co captains Deky Yates and Josh Eder once again strong in the constest and hard at the ball which left no stone unturned which was great to see.
Hayden Sampson and Tommy Allison had moments as helping to apply some scoreboard pressure.
Rovers were too strong in the end but Roos shouldn't be disappointed in a strong spirited effort.
Thirds
Young Roos unable to contain Hawks onslaught
Archie Turner kicks away as the Roos were humbled by the Rovers.
Corowa Rutherglen 1.1 7 def by Wangaratta Rovers 15.18 108
The Corowa Rutherglen 18s had the task on the Wangaratta Rovers.
Rovers have been known for producing strong Under 18s sides in the past and this was no exception.
They blasted out of the gates striking the first five majors of the first quarter.
Adrian Berriman contests for the ball with Will Forrest in support.
Archer Coppolino has had a fine start for 2026, the young captain led from the front in what was a tough outing.
The young Roos had a superise call in with Franklin Murray Wright playing his first game for the year with the Roos.
Although the scoreboard got away, the young Roos were able to slot through their only major through Leory Chester virtually on the full time siren, which was a great relief to players and coaches.
Roos Juniors
The Under 12s put up a brave fight but ultimately fell short against St Pats.
Under 12s
Corowa Rutherglen 3.3 21 def by St Patricks 5.4 34
