The Hawks were winless last year, while Booth didn't play in their three wins in 2017.

The 62-point win over Corowa-Rutherglen was his first since the same teams met in round 15, 2016.

"It's unreal mate, it's been a long time coming," he said just seconds after the siren.

And Booth was outstanding, kicking three goals.

It followed a horror week which started when he was reported and sent off against Albury.

Rovers led by nine points at the time, but conceded the next 14.

He pleaded guilty to charging Joel Mackie at the tribunal and was handed a severe reprimand.

"It was a hell of a week until I found out I was clear again," he said.

"I was really lucky that Joel was really good about it as well."

Booth apologised to his team-mates.

"Absolutely, I definitely felt like I'd let the team down, I genuinely thought we had a chance of winning that game as well," he said.

Meanwhile, coach Daryn Cresswell coaxed Sean O'Keeffe into playing his first game since the club's previous last win against North Albury in round 18, 2017.

The veteran missed last year with a debilitating finger injury.

"I still need to get some surgery in the coming weeks and then rehab after that," he said.