The youthful Roos have been within striking distance of Wodonga and Albury in the final quarter in the past two weeks after capitulating to North Albury by 103 points in the opening round.

Ryan Garthwaite, Jay O’Donoghue and James Svarc were outstanding for the Roos against the more-fancied Tigers, who kicked the final five goals of the match to win by 44 points.

Corowa-Rutherglen coach Terry Burgess said the Roos had taken plenty of confidence out of competing with the two-time reigning premier for more than three quarters and were looking to carry that into the game against the Raiders.

“We’re getting better each game we play,” he said.

“Obviously on the weekend it was a really good performance in a quality side in Albury.

“We probably just fell away in the last 15 minutes but hopefully the confidence we gain out of that will hold us in good stead.”

Burgess, who coached the Raiders’ thirds to a premiership in 2010, said the Roos were focused on making the club “sustainable” after losing a wealth of experience over the off-season.

“We’re just concentrating on ourselves and making sure we improve each week,” he said.

“We’re trying to construct a game that will make us competitive and each week that’s been happening.

“This week is just another step in that process.

“We’re just trying to get 18 games under these kids’ belts and see where we sit at the end of the year.”

The Raiders’ line-up has been significantly bolstered by the returns of Jydon Neagle, Adam Flagg and Matt McDonald as they chase their first win of the season.

Coach Daryn Cresswell, who resisted the urge to name himself for the clash, said the Raiders had plenty of respect for the Roos.

“Corowa have got some really good young kids,” he said.

“They have got some real talent and they really pushed Albury.

“We haven’t won a game yet, we certainly won’t be taking any game lightly.

“We’re very young and we’re working on areas of our game.”