THE AFL North East Border says Corowa-Rutherglen is doing it tough and has implored the community to get behind the struggling club.
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The Roos face the possibility of being without a reserves team next year and are yet to appoint a senior coach, despite starting pre-season training next week.
The club met with AFL North East Border boss John O’Donohue and four commissioners at the John Foord Oval on Wednesday night, with player retention a key talking point.
O and M general manager Aaron McGlynn and three league board members were also at the meeting.
Another meeting is scheduled in a fortnight.
O’Donohue and the Roos have been in discussions about keeping the club sustainable for several years.
He said Corowa-Rutherglen had “plenty of time” to get a coach and players for 2016, but he also said the Roos faced long-term difficulties.
“They’re doing it tough at the moment, but that’s when you need people to stand up and show some character,” O’Donohue said.
“If someone is looking for an opportunity to play Ovens and Murray footy, there’s a great opportunity to do that at Corowa-Rutherglen.”
Corowa-Rutherglen president Graham Hosier said he remained hopeful the Roos could field all three football grades – seniors, reserves and thirds - next season.
“We asked to have the meeting,” Hosier said.
“Our biggest thing at the moment is about player retention and trying to attract players to our club.
“Once we’ve got a coach things will fall into place.”
The Roos spent a significant amount on their football budget in 2014, yet still finished fourth and lost the elimination final.
The club, believing it couldn’t compete for the premiership, then made significant reductions in player payments for 2015 and finished third last.
With District clubs circling, the Roos have struggled to retain players ahead of the 2016 season.
O’Donohue said the Corowa community needed to rally behind the club.
“You want the local support and this is a time when they do need the community behind them,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for people in that area who want to play major league footy.
“I think maybe that’s something’s that’s lost on footballers, playing at the highest level they can.”
