The preliminary report from a review started by AFL North-East Border 10 months ago has concluded that unless there is "managed intervention" in the entire Corowa area the Roos’ demise could come as early as next season.

AFLNEB has baulked at recommending merger options within the “Corowa Cluster” of clubs – Corowa-Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, Rutherglen and CDHBU – with Billabong Crows added to the mix due to the emergence of similar issues since the review started.

The report concluded in part: “Associated risks of allowing natural attrition to regulate reform as opposed to managed intervention may result in the demise of an Ovens and Murray club by 2018.

“Whilst not a preferred option, (it) is realistic and establishes the level of urgency.”

The embattled Roos went the closest to ended a losing streak dating back to round 16, 2015 when they lost to Wangaratta on Saturday after leading by 35 points.

"The presence of a competitive OMFNL club in the Corowa area is preferred, (but) the community must realistically determine if it has the capacity to own and sustain a competitive OMFNL club," the report states.

"An ideal model for all interested stakeholders isn’t realistic with a high level of compromise and collaboration required."

Roos’ president Graham Hosier said the club's committee would discuss the report at a scheduled board meeting on Tuesday.

"We know our destiny is on our hands and as the report says do we want an Ovens and Murray club in the area?" he said.

"We've got a sub-committee looking into all the alternatives being thrown at our club.

"It's up to us to come up with a solution with some help of course."

Options of moving leagues and staying in the O and M without a reserves team have all been bandied about.

AFLNEB is calling on club committees, members, supporters, players, coaches, local government, businesses and schools to play a part in addressing the issues in the "Corowa Cluster”which stem largely from sustaining existing clubs with a declining population.

The most recent structural change in the AFLNEB area was when the Benalla and District league was wound up in 2009 with two clubs, Swanpool and Tatong, folding three years ago.

The O and M has been a 10-team competition for more than two decades since the departure of Benalla to the Goulburn Valley league.

AFLNEB regional manager John O'Donohue said the entire Corowa area had to take ownership of the issue.

"If they want an Ovens and Murray club this is the time to substantiate it," he said.

"If they don't want Ovens and Murray level then we take one course of action, but if they do there is another course of action.

"We won't force it if the community don't own it.

"It's the reality of the situation.

"But Corowa-Rutherglen is a key part of that."