THEY couldn’t win a game for years and were borrowing players from the opposition this time last season.
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Now they’re equal top of the ladder.
Corowa-Rutherglen’s reserves are undoubtedly one of this year’s feel-good stories of country footy after rocketing up the ladder.
The Roos have won six of their opening seven games in the reserves and look finals bound.
That’s a far cry from the team that went winless from midway through 2009 to round 1, 2012.
Cade Mills, one of a handful of club veterans to step back a level this year, said there was no doubt the form of the reserves had lifted the club.
Corowa-Rutherglen’s seniors also look finals bound.
“We’re having a great time,” Mills said.
“It’s been a long time since the reserves have done much so everyone is obviously enjoying it.
“We’ve got a good mix and the most important thing is the guys are having fun.
“A few wins always helps with that.”
The Roos are going so well that several players miss out on a game each week.
“It’s tough on those boys who rotate through but it’s a healthy spot for the club to be in,” Mills said.
“In previous years it’s been a drag for plenty of the boys to play reserves when you know you’re going to get beaten, so it (winning) has maybe got a few others keen.”
Mills, Matt Witherden, Nathan Thomas, James O’Connell, Luke Prescott, Matt Eales and Dean Druce form the nucleus of the reserves team.
Add talented youngsters to the side coached by Brett Skinner and you’ve got a good mix.
“In one game we had about 800 games of senior experience,” Mills said.
“In the reserves you’re never really sure what to expect but we’ll keep plodding along.
“You’d walk into our club not knowing anyone and you couldn’t pick the seniors from the reserves guys.”