Anywhere from 10 to 15 recruits will line up for the Corowa Rutherglen football team and at least three netball recruits will be in the A Grade side this Saturday against Wangaratta Magpies at the WJ Findlay Oval complex.
Anyone associated with Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club would love what they are seeing on the John Foord Oval, on the netball courts and in the clubrooms.
This will be the first season since the devastating floods in November 2022 that the Roos’ clubrooms will be used.
No more portable changerooms for opposition clubs; players, supporters and visitors will be welcomed in vastly updated clubrooms before, during and after matches.
“Pre season has been really positive,” club co-president Beau Longmire told The Free Press.
“With increased numbers of footballers and the addition of the Felines women’s team, there have been in excess of 250 players on the oval. It’s a wonderful sight, and netball numbers are very good.
“We’ve had generous, fantastic support by volunteers – really good people – enabling us to get back into our clubrooms.
“There have been more people come down and watch training. There’s a real buzz down here at John Foord Oval.”
The clubrooms have a solid, bright, fresh look about them. Laying of carpets is now taking place as well as some minor finishing touches.
All will be cherry ripe for Saturday week’s home match against Wodonga Raiders.
Senior football coach Daryn Creswell loves his new environment. The Sydney AFL Hall of Famer appreciates the welcome to Roo land and is welding terrific teamwork with the players who include a lot of recruits. Pre season games have been good, training has been match-like stuff.
John Foord Oval looks a treat. Club life member, 333-gamer Darrell Spencer marvelled at its condition.
“It’s the best I’ve ever seen it. It’s in pristine condition and a big thank you to Federation Council and Darren Harvey in particular,” Spencer said.
The Roos’ senior on-field team will have two co-captains, current captain Joe Hansen and boom recruit Cody Schutt from South Cairns via Wang Rovers, as announced to players two Tuesdays ago.
“It’s pretty exciting, been a long summer, we’ve had a good pre season and the group is getting along with each other really well,” 30-year-old Hansen said.
“Numbers are good. There’ll be competition for spots in both grades which is a positive sign for the club.”
Senior netball coach Sally Hunter said there had been really good numbers at the trials leading into season 2025.
“We have stronger depth in the seniors and juniors, with some exciting youngsters coming on,” she said.
Star recruits for A Grade are Emily Laracy returning to the club after starring for Yarrawonga in last year’s grand final win, three-time best and fairest winner at Albury Gabe McRae and Tamir Richardson from Lavington.
Hunter, the Roos’ best and fairest player last year, takes over the A Grade coaching from Sophie Hanrahan who, along with Emily Laracy returning to the club, will coach the Under 16s.
The three-time O and M Toni Wilson Medallist Sophie will, of course, be on the A Grade court.
“We’re still the club coming back from recess and still rebuilding,” the 26-year-old Wagga solicitor and senior coach said.
“We almost made the grand final last year – we’re hoping to be in the grand final this year. It’s all very exciting.”
Female footy’s pleasing start
The Roos Female Football teams had a great start to their season with the Under 17s, 14s and 12s teams playing against Wodonga Bulldogs in Wodonga on Sunday. The Open team had the bye.
Under 17s
Roos 10.8 68 def Bulldogs 0.2 2
Best: Nelly Bruce, Kaity Ford, Lilyana Murray-Wright, Penny Hartung, Macie Thomson, Chloe Rogers.
Under 14s
Roos 5.5 35 def by Bulldogs 7.3 45
Best: Isabelle Haberfield, Ivy Tille, Isabelle Gardiner, Macie Thomson, Asha Mardling, Lara Lions.
Under 12s
Roos 9.5 59 def Bulldogs 6.8 44
Best: Matilda Brown, Lily Kiely, Amelia Kelly, Demi Barnes, Thea Davis, Ivy Massari.