Corowa-Rutherglen hammers Natahalia by 83 in pre-season game

It was closer in the first half with rain falling, but once it passed after the main break, the Roos asserted their authority.

Admittedly, the visitors were missing up to six senior players, but the home side was also without a handful, including Charlie Nastasi, Cody Howard and Jason Marks.

"The Wilson brothers - Cameron and Damien - both played well in the midfield, Hayden Filliponi kicked four goals and Joe Hansen did well off half-back," Roos' head of football Craig Spencer said.

Most importantly, the club was able to get away without any serious injuries, although Mark Athanitis suffered a strained hamstring.

The Roos start their season against Wodonga on Easter Saturday.

The pair has been the most active on the recruiting scene after struggling in 2019.

Meanwhile, Wodonga Raiders fell by two goals against Shepparton United on Saturday.

The home side was missing up to 10 players, including star recruit Jydon Neagle and Scott Meyer.

"We've had, on average, probably 8-10 starting players out of our practice matches," coach Jarrod Hodgkin offered.

"It's been a bit frustrating, people have had weddings, one took about two or three players away and there's been a few injuries and we've had cricket there as well.

"It seems to be pretty hard to get (close to your) best side on the park in practice games, but that's just the way it goes, I suppose."

Recruit Mitch Thomas continues to impress for his new club after moving from the Hume League, while ruckman Isaac Muller also had his moments.

The stop-start nature of the pre-season isn't what the clubs needs, particularly as it plays competition favourites Wangaratta on Good Friday.

And Wangaratta proved too strong for Bendigo club Golden Square on Saturday.

It was difficult conditions with a strong breeze with honours shared by half-time.

But the Pies broke clear with key forwards Michael Newton and Ben Reid kicking four and three goals respectively.

Wangaratta had a stack of top performers, including youngster Fraser Ellis and forward Ben Speight.

New recruit Callum Moore was another standout and there's genuine excitement over what impact the former Richmond and Carlton player will have.

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The season starts Saturday with Albury hosting Yarrawonga, with Lavington against Wangaratta Rovers on Sunday.

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