Corowa ruckman Tom Forrest got up high in the ruck contests as shown here with Jedd Longmire about to pounce.
After a long and hard-fought season, the scene was set for the Roos’ Under 18's final game of the year in the 2022 O&M grand final. It was a beautiful day for footy and the boys were keen to get the job done against an in-form Wangaratta Magpies.
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The Magpies came out firing in the first quarter with a three goal to one first term, but after the first break, the Roos finally gained some momentum and responded with a five goal to two second quarter in a great display of attacking footy and accuracy in front of goals.
In full flight with a big kick into the Roos’ forward line was Jesse Johnstone.
The writing was on the wall for a massive second half and both teams didn't disappoint. it was high pressure footy and both teams struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard with Corowa going into the final break with a handy 15 point lead.
The last quarter was set to be an epic one, with Wangaratta refusing to lie down and our boys were doing all they could to stop the Magpies’ running game but unfortunately for the Roos after a long and hard four weeks of finals footy, our boys ran out of legs late in the game and Wangaratta were full of run and kicked a goal with only two minutes to go – to put them in front and hold off a gallant Corowa Rutherglen to win by four points in an absolute thriller.
Three quarter time…last pep talk to his players by highly rated Corowa Thirds coach George Sandral.
Although the defeat was hard to take, this group of fine young men should be very proud of the season they have had and coach George Sandral addressed the massive crowd of supporters in the rooms after the game.
Sandral praised the team for their efforts this year and how they had done themselves and the whole Corowa Rutherglen wider community proud also, in what was a great year for the club.
Taking a good mark for Corowa was Jedd Longmire who produced a brilliant performance.
“For me, obviously it was congratulations to Wangaratta. It was a great game of football,” he told The Free Press.
“It was an excellent standard and I was very pleased with our boys’ efforts. I was very proud of the season. The boys have grown a lot as players. The journey’s been very exciting.”
Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club President Stuart Lingham told the packed rooms after the game games that George put his hand up to take on the coaching job this year.
“He’s a young bloke – not much older than the group of players he coaches,” the president said.
“George has done the job so well in this journey.”
And what a journey it has been, with the Thirds often, in recent years, being at the lower end of the O and M ladder.
“George’s efforts have been just sensational. He is respected by all his players and vice versa,” Mr Lingham said. “The players have truly become young adults.
“I also want to acknowledge ‘Scooter’s’ contribution. Jamie Seymour’s been a good back-up to George as assistant coach. Scooter has a vast knowledge of the game following his experience as a player. The club is so proud of both you coaches.
“Yes, it’s disappointing we lost. But what an effort you’ve all put in.”
Best on ground Jedd Longmire receiving the top individual award, the Brett Kirk Award, from O and M Board member Des Lonergan.
At the formal presentation of the Thirds premiership cup, O and M board member Des Lonergan presented best on ground to Corowa’s brilliant Jedd Longmire and spoke in glowing terms about the young Roos. “You played so well – what a journey you’ve had this season. After today’s game, you have become young men,” he told the narrow, four point loss Corowa team.
Hundreds of Roos’ supporters watched and admired their team. The whole community can rightly feel so proud of Corowa Thirds and its coaching staff.
Final Score Wangaratta 10.13.73 to Corowa Rutherglen 10.9.69
Goal kickers - R. Beveridge 4, J. Longmire 2, R. Allen 2, N. Harvey 1, M. Bush 1.
So close. Taken just after the game. Proud fathers of sons who played for Corowa Thirds in last Sunday’s narrow four-point loss: Jarrod Hanrahan and son Ethan, Kade Kuschert with Judd, Beau Longmire with Jed, and Marcus Osborne with Finn. Patrick Lavis, son of Paul, also played.
Fending off two opponents in an inspiring performance was Corowa’s Ned Taylor.
Despite strong pressure, Corowa’s Ryan Beveridge takes this terrific mark.
Clearing the football out of defence was Corowa’s Matthew Bush.
