Wodonga Raiders join top five for first time with 17-point win over Roos

The visitors booted four final quarter goals to overcome a one-point deficit in posting a 9.14 (68) to 7.9 (51) away win.

"We didn't play our best footy, but that's probably credit to them as well, we couldn't get our game going until late in the last quarter," best on ground Lachie Flagg said, showing good sportsmanship.

"I was impressed by how well (Corowa-Rutherglen coach Peter German) 'Germo' has got them going, they could easily have won that one and it sounds like it could have been the same last week.

"They're a very good football side and probably not getting as much credit as they should."

The Roos were coming off just five wins over the past four seasons, but the addition of German, a host of recruits and the rapid development of a number of Roos' juniors had the club holding down fifth spot with three wins after six games.

Like any competitive outfit, the team will now be wondering 'what if?' after also falling by a goal to Yarrawonga last week.

However, there's still 11 rounds left before finals, so the Roos have time to reignite their charge.

Raiders, meantime, have already started their surge with four wins from the past five games.

Long-time star Jydon Neagle continues to improve after missing games through suspension and a calf injury, kicking two goals, while Steve Jolliffe also nabbed a double in the final quarter.

"He had a really good performance, playing half-back, midfield and full-forward, he's playing good footy," Flagg said of his team-mate.

Flagg started the year superbly, but was forced to miss a fortnight with a hamstring complaint.

"I did it against Yarrawonga in round three, it was a grade one strain and I had a tight back, but I thought, 'I'll be right', but it wasn't right, so I just sat out a few weeks, but it feels fine now," he suggested.

The exciting Tom Bracher (21 touches) impressed, while coach Jarrod Hodgkin (30) and Hayden Clarke (26) also clocked up disposals.

The consistent Damien Wilson posted 29 possessions, while younger brother Cameron was another standout with 26.

Vice-captain Hayden Filliponi kicked two majors and spent time as the skipper after Joe Hansen suffered a leg injury.

The Roos will be sweating on a handful of players returning from injury, including Kyle Docherty.

The year's only general bye is on Saturday, with the Roos away to Myrtleford and home to Wangaratta Rovers to round out the first half.

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