As the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League’s deadline approaches for the Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club, neighbouring clubs within the “Corowa Cluster” are making strategic moves to secure their players, coaching staff, and recruiting prospects early.
General Manager of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League Kane Arendarcikas reaffirmed the league’s eagerness to welcome Corowa back and confirmed that the mid-October deadline for the Roos’ re-entry was still in place.
“Corowa-Rutherglen has been providing the league with regular updates, and the news from the club remains positive,” Mr. Arendarcikas stated.
The Roos have not been idle either, announcing some significant signings to boost their roster. They’ve secured boom recruits Darcy Hope and Connor Leslie from Karingal, welcomed back former captain Joe Hansen from Lavington, acquired former Roo Mak Lavis, who most recently played in Geelong, and added Aaron Spencer to their lineup. More key signings are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
In addition to these player acquisitions, the Roos have been granted a $25,000 increase in their salary cap and an increase in player points to 60 for the 2024 season. Ben Talarico has also joined the club as the development coach and thirds coach.
Club President Graham Hosier expressed the Roos’ determination to return to the Ovens and Murray league in 2024.
“We are looking forward to the season starting and getting football back at John Foord Oval,” he told the Free Press.
“We know we have a massive job in front of us, but we are working extremely hard to have everything in place for the 2024 season.”
Meanwhile, other clubs in the “Cluster” have been proactive in securing their positions in their respective leagues, following failed merger talks throughout the year.
The Wahgunyah Lions, competing in the Tallangatta and District Football League, have faced well-documented player shortages in recent years but recently announced the signings of 10 recruits and the retention of Chris Willis as their full-time coach.
The recruits, primarily from the Mulwala area, include Xavier Walker, Lachlan Philips, Kyle Maskell Dunstan, Joe Lindera, Riley Okane, Callum DeOleveira, Axel Doherty, Ethan Stephens, Andrew Maskell Dunstan, and Blake Roulston.
The Rutherglen Cats, although facing fewer player shortages, have made moves to strengthen their senior sides, including the signing of Dylan Van Berlo from the Wangaratta Magpies for both playing and coaching roles in the 2024 season. Dylan, who played in Rutherglen as a junior, brings valuable experience from his 11-year tenure with the Wangaratta Magpies.
Over in the CDHBU Power camp, the club has retained around 80 per cent of its 2023 team, including former Roos players. Furthermore, the Power have secured former Roos and Wangaratta player Darcy Melksham and Jordan Lavis, bolstering their squad for the upcoming season.