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Wodonga Bulldogs have overcome a fast-starting Corowa Rutherglen in front of a bumper crowd of around 3,000 people at John Foord Oval.
The Roos unveiled a new-look side featuring inclusions such as Jolliffe, McCaffery and Thomas Longmire alongside the return of local talent including Will Chandler.
Determined to make an early statement, Corowa did exactly that. Kaelan Bradtke was ominous from the outset, with the 2025 Doug Strang Medalist in fine touch booting the first four majors, capitalising on precise delivery from the midfield.
Cody Schutt and Tom Longmire were strong in defence for the Roos.
However, ill-discipline and lapses in awareness allowed the Bulldogs to swing momentum their way.
The frenetic pace of the opening quarter was electric for the home crowd, with nine goals shared between the sides in a term that had all the makings of an Easter classic.
The message for the Roos was clear, maintain composure and prevent Wodonga from building a run.
Despite this, former VFL-listed forward Hudson Garoni, alongside co-coach Jack O’Sullivan, proved instrumental in the Bulldogs’ ascendancy, helping establish a buffer on the scoreboard.
Emmett Northy contesting the Ruck with Jedd Longmire ready to pounce.
Patrick Lavis and newly appointed co-captain Jedd Longmire provided some much-needed spark for Corowa, kicking classy goals to stem the flow and keep the contest within reach.
Heading into halftime, the Roos needed composure, having allowed Wodonga to transition too easily.
Chandler continued to showcase his class throughout the match, including a clutch goal that lifted the vocal home crowd.
Youngsters Will Axleby and emerging talent Tom Forrest also impressed, showing composure and strong decision-making to create opportunities.
Ultimately, Corowa were unable to contain the Bulldogs’ momentum, going down by 34 points.
Corowa will now turn their attention to Albury at John Foord Oval. The Roos who recently snapped a 17-year drought against the Tigers, look to square the ledger and make it 1–1 leading into Round 2.
The Corowa Rutherglen Development Squad looked a noticeably different side compared to their 2025 campaign. The Bulldogs came out firing early, piling on four majors before the Roos were able to register a score.
Despite trailing at quarter time, Corowa’s effort and intent never wavered. The second and third quarters saw a strong response, with the Roos able to match it with the Bulldogs.
Youngsters Brodie Eyers and Jayden Forge were instrumental, capitalising on opposition errors and providing valuable contributions.
Will Bott gets this handball away in the Reserves match.
Will Bott was particularly impressive, catching the coaches’ attention with his defensive work and ability to restrict the Bulldogs’ scoring opportunities.
Josh Eder and Ky Williamson also showed great composure, using their run and carry to good effect.
Newly appointed captain Decklan Yates led from the front, inspiring the young group to stay resilient and maintain their intensity throughout the game.
While the result didn’t fall Corowa’s way, the team can take pride in their determination and refusal to let the scoreboard blow out.
A new-look Corowa Under 18s side came out firing in the opening term, lighting up the contest with classy goals from Hudson Kuschert and Tex Longmire.
The Roos piled on four early majors, igniting the crowd and setting an exciting tone for the match.
With plenty of changes from previous seasons, building cohesion was always going to be a challenge. However, credit to the young group, they showed strong camaraderie from the outset and competed with great spirit.
The third term saw the Roos extend their advantage, with goals to Josh Hunter and Cruz Young pushing the lead out to 19 points.
Wodonga responded strongly, finding momentum and slotting three goals to tighten the contest.
As the game wore on, they became increasingly difficult to contain.
Archie Coppolino, Archer Turner, and Will Forrest were instrumental in keeping the Roos in the fight, working tirelessly to ensure the game didn’t slip away.
Despite their efforts, Wodonga proved too strong in the end, running out 15-point winners.
