Last week, The Free Press reported the Roos were desperately short of numbers, with club president John Henneman appealing for footballers of all ages to sign up at John Foord Oval.

The Roos currently have about 35 senior players on their list.

Last year, Corowa-Rutherglen and Myrtleford both had issues fielding complete reserves teams, and yesterday O and M general manager Tom O’Connor admitted country clubs faced bigger challenges than their big-city rivals.

“It’s probably no secret Corowa’s reserves have struggled, as have Myrtleford’s,” O’Connor said.

“There are a couple of things they (Corowa-Rutherglen) are trying to do to sure up their playing stocks, and one of those things was to get word out into the Corowa-Rutherglen region to make sure guys looking for a game of footy can get that opportunity at Corowa.”

O’Connor said country clubs had to develop and maintain strong links with their local areas to ensure their viability.

“It’s very important for Myrtleford (and) Corowa to have their communication lines open with clubs and leagues in their areas ... to ensure their playing lists stay healthy,” he said.

Henneman admitted yesterday the Roos faced a challenge filling two full senior sides this season if their current situation failed to improve.

“It is a bit of a struggle — we’ve only got about 35 committed senior players at the moment” he said.

“It’s actually a little bit worse than last year ... it is (getting tougher for country clubs).”

Corowa-Ruthergle n has lost three of its best players since last season — reigning best and fairest winner Sam Carpenter, Robbie Ferraro and Craig Tafft, but the Roos have been bolstered by the additions of premier Hume league ruckman Nick Whiterod as well as VAFA stars Matt Gadsden, Mark Ainley and Paddy Phelan.

The Roos will unveil their Melbourne recruits at a registration day at John Foord Oval on Sunday, and Henneman said players of all ages were encouraged to attend from 10am.