Corowa Rutherglen’s Jed Longmire starred in the Senior's win over Albury.
Corowa Rutherglen 12.10 82 def Albury 8.13 61
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Goals: Jedd Longmire 4, Degan Purcell 3, Tom McCaffrey 2, Tex Longmire, Angus Curry, Will Chandler 1
Best: Jedd Longmire, Will Chandler, Thomas Longmire, Tom Mccaffrey, Will Axelby, Cody Schutt
Corowa Rutherglen snapped an 18-year drought dating back to Round 12, 2008, with a gritty and defiant victory over the Albury Tigers at Albury Sportsground.
The Roos entered the clash confident a breakthrough win was within reach after pushing finals contenders Lavington, North Albury and Wangaratta Rovers in successive weeks.
However, an early blow before the opening bounce, with key forward Kaelan Bradtke ruled out, forced a reshuffle in attack.
The late inclusions of co-captain Jedd Longmire and younger brother Tex proved a masterstroke.
Tex immediately showcased his composure and agility, weaving through traffic to create opportunities, while Jedd set the tone seven minutes into the opening term by booting Corowa's first goal.
It wasn't long before emerging talent Degan Purcell made his impact, slotting through the Roos' second major to help establish early momentum.
Assistant coach Joel Price praised Longmire's leadership after the game.
"We talk about action leaders... you lead the way you play," he said.
Although Albury threatened at times, the Tigers repeatedly failed to convert their opportunities, allowing Corowa Rutherglen to maintain control.
The only sour note of the opening quarter came when Raven Jolliffe's afternoon ended prematurely after injuring his hamstring, robbing the Roos of one of their most dangerous runners.
In defence, Tom Forrest and Tom Longmire were outstanding, combining to limit Albury's key forwards and repeatedly repel attacking entries.
Corowa took the contest firmly in its grasp during a dominant second quarter, piling on seven goals in a devastating period of football.
It was a display reminiscent of the Roos' 10-goal quarter against the Tigers 12 months earlier.
Seniors co-captain Will Chandler was among the Roo’s best as they snapped an 18-year drought at Albury’s home ground.
Co-captain Will Chandler led from the front with a courageous performance, throwing himself into every contest and constantly presenting as a threat around the ground.
When Albury's Connor Newnham sparked the Tigers with two quick goals, Corowa's defence adjusted brilliantly, restricting Albury's ball movement inside forward 50 and quickly regaining control.
Tom McCaffery continued his outstanding form, finishing with two goals, 27 disposals, five tackles and 10 contested possessions in a complete midfield performance.
Price was quick to credit the collective effort, saying they didn't rely on one or two players, it was a full team effort.
Will Axleby and Cody Schutt again provided composure with ball in hand, using it cleanly while showing plenty of determination around the contest.
Seniors player Liam McCarthy (with ball) goes on a run during the Roo’s win over Albury on Saturday.
The challenge became even greater after halftime when Tom Forrest and Angus Curry were unable to play on, leaving the Roos effectively one rotation short for the remainder of the match.
Despite the adversity, Corowa Rutherglen dug deep, displaying enormous grit and resilience to see out the contest.
The victory was Corowa Rutherglen's first at Albury Sportsground in 18 years and capped a memorable all-round team performance.
The Roos now aim to make it back-to-back wins when they host the Wodonga Raiders this weekend.
Development Squad
Josh Eder gets a kick away despite close attention from the Tigers and was one of the Roo’s best with three goals in a heavy loss.
Corowa 6.1 37 def by Albury 15.14 104
Goals: Josh Eder 3, Aaron Spencer 2, Taj Smith 1
Best: Deaken Clancy, Josh Eder, Tommy Allison, Will Bott, Angus Massey, Taj Smith
The boys came to play from the first bounce, bringing great pressure against the top side and forcing plenty of turnovers early.
Deakan Clancy was outstanding in the ruck, battling hard all day and giving our midfield first use.
The midfield worked well together and got on top around the contest.
The ball movement was the best seen from a reserves side this year, with several coast-to-coast chains resulting in goals.
Josh Eder was a great target when resting at full forward, finishing with three goals and taking some strong contested marks.
The thirds boys who stepped up all played their roles well and contributed strongly.
Lastly, a special mention to Jed Ansell for wearing a long sleeve on the hottest day in July.
Development player Taj Smith used the ball well, kicking a goal and featuring among the Roo’s best.
Best: Archer Coppolino, Harry Webb, Josh Hunter, Noah Mcswenney, Aaron McWilliams and Levi Arnold
The Roos came to take on the Albury Tigers, and while early scoreboard pressure put the Roos behind on the scoreboard, their effort never wavered.
Brooklyn Mawson chimed in with the Roos first goal early in the second, which was a team lifter.
The Roos had a few Under 16s come into the team, which was evident in the way they linked up.
Harry Webb, Josh Hunter and Levi Arnold were all welcom additions to the lineup
Leroy Chester slotted his first late into the second to reduce the margin at half time.
Archer coppolino, Noah Mcsweeney and Aaron Mcwilliams were once again pivotal for the team when it mattered most., however, Albury proved to be too good, coming away strong winners.
The Roos are home to the Raiders next week in another intriguing battle.
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