But it took on a whole new meaning during the week when the Roos coach and some of his players spent time volunteering at the Kangaloola Wildlife Shelter.

Castles, Grady Nigsch and Joe Wilkinson got a first-hand look at how things work at the rescue shelter, which cares for up to 80 animals.

“It was a great experience and I know the boys got a lot out of it,” Castles said.

Castles is hoping his young Roos can carry their good form – on and off the field – into Saturday’s match against Chiltern at Yackandandah.

The Roos claimed their first big scalp of the season last week when they pipped reigning premier Tallangatta and they will be desperate to make amends for a 20-goal loss to the Swans when the sides met in round six.

If the form of Nigsch, Wilkinson, Dylan Harris and Brenton Newbold is anything to go by, Castles needn’t worry.

“We’ve been telling the boys for the last couple of months that they’re good enough to beat a top side, it’s just a matter of putting four quarters of footy together, which they did last week,” he said.

Castles, one of the best forwards in the competition, has moved into the midfield in recent weeks and looms as a key player against the Swans.

Chiltern coach Mark Doolan has gone the other way, spending plenty of time up forward despite being one of the best midfielders in the league. Doolan kicked 10 goals when the sides last met and will be a player the Roos need to keep in check if they’re to reverse the result.

“We just came out half-hearted last time, it would be good to get a bit of payback, especially at home,” Castles said.

Both sides are sitting on five wins and Castles is looking to finish the season on a positive note with matches against Dederang-Mt Beauty and Rutherglen to come.

The Roos will raise money for Kangaloola on Saturday, with the club hosting a charity and family day, which will include a jumping castle, clowns and an auction.

Kangaloola founder Glenda Elliott said all money raised would go directly to caring for animals.

“Some people think we are government-funded, but in fact we are 100 per cent dependent on the public to keep Kangaloola going,” she said.

“We have cared for 200 animals in the last year and currently have 80 animals requiring food, shelter and medical care.”

For more information, or to donate, visit kangaloolawildlifeshelter.org.au or phone (02) 6027 0814.