Kaelan Bradtke made the final spot on Richmond’s list for season 2023. Photo by Richmond Football Club.
Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club have been on the front foot announcing several key recruits in the past week to join new coach Daryn Creswell for season 2025.
KB is back!
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Key forward and ruck Kaelan Bradtke (‘KB’) will return to the Roos for 2025 after stints at AFL and VFL.
The Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club (CRFNC) announced the signing of Bradtke on Saturday morning that he will return to the club after last playing in 2022.
In 2022 Bradtke had a tremendous individual season for the Roos where he kicked 39 goals from just 17 games. About 25 per cent of his time was spent in the ruck, using his great leap to be first to the bounce or ball up.
Kaelan Bradtke had an impressive football year in 2022, playing 16 games for Corowa Rutherglen, before being picked up by Richmond.
The same year he was selected for the Ovens & Murray Inter-league team, featured twice for Sydney's VFL side before being selected via the SSP to Richmond in the AFL before being delisted in 2023.
More recently the 195cm tall has been a key part of Geelong’s VFL program playing as a key forward and through the ruck.
The CRFNC stated on their Facebook page that it’s hard to believe KB is only 23.
“It is exciting to know that his best football is still in front of him. He has a keen interest to help with the development of our young and energetic U18 players.”
Possessing great speed and agility, Bradtke was held in high regard at Rooland under with former Roos’ coach and185-gamer with North Melbourne Peter German describing him, “in the top five athletes I’ve coached in 30 years”. “He’s a unique specimen of an athlete, a quality tall,” German said in 2022.
‘Fearless’ Riverina midfielder joins Roos
Jack Rowston will join the Roos from Griffith Swans after being named in the 2024 Riverina Football League Team of the Year. Photo: Andrew McLean Photography.
Griffith Swans’ highly regarded midfield, defender and captain Jack Rowston has signed up to play for Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club (CRFNC) for 2025.
Rowston will bring a wealth of experience to the Roos’ senior football side having played over 100 senior games and served as captain for the past three seasons for the Griffith Swans in the highly competitive Riverina Football League.
“An exceptional in-and-under midfielder-defender, Jack is known for his fierce attack on the footy and his elite decision-making under pressure,” the CRFNC stated on its Facebook Page.
“His fearless approach and natural leadership make him a perfect fit for our club.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Jack don the blue and white in 2025!”
Rowston’s talents were further acknowledged this year when he was named at half back in the Riverina Football League Team of the Year and was also named as vice-captain.
In a statement on the Griffith Swans’ Facebook Page, they thanked Rowston for his years of service to the club.
“It is with mixed emotions that we announce that our first-grade captain Jack Rowston will be playing for Corowa Rutherglen Football Club in the highly regarded Ovens and Murray League in 2025,” the club statement read.
“While the club will feel his loss, we are incredibly proud of Jack for what he has given to our club, and also very excited to see what he can achieve going forward.”
Key ruckman a ‘huge’ signing
The Roos ‘huge’ ruck recruit, Riverina Football Netball League’s and Griffith Swans Best and Fairest Nathan Richards. Photo: Andrew McLean Photography.
Photo by
Andrew McLean
The Roos announced on Monday another key boost to their ruck stocks with the signing of 2024 Riverina Football Netball League’s Best and Fairest Nathan Richards.
Richards also comes over from the Griffith Swans after winning the prestigious Jim Quinn Medal and Griffith’s Swans’ best and fairest while also being named as ruck in the league’s team of the year.
The club stated on their Facebook page that securing one of the best rucks in country football excites all of the midfielders and supporters at JFO.
“Nathan arrives as a dominant ruckman with serious on-field presence, with elite tap work skills, and has the ability to get involved in possession chains with his classy skills.”
An extremely talented junior Richards represented GWS in the Under 18 Championships, as well as the NAB Allstars.
Richards has played over 144 games of senior-grade football including 28 state league games for Canberra Demons & UWS Giants in the NEAFL, as well as two games this season for the Giants VFL side.
Melksham and Clancy add to returning Roos
In more good news former Roos’ young talent Darcy Melksham and experienced ruck Deakin Clancy are returning to John Foord Oval.
Melksham returns after playing with CDHBU and Wangaratta. The 22-year-old midfielder has played some 40 senior matches with Corowa and was always keen to return upon the Roos resuming O and M football.
Clancy returns to the Roos after last playing for the club in 2022. The ruck and key position utility will greatly benefit the young and developing Roos.
Important senior player re-signings for 2025 also include reigning club best & fairest Ryan Eyers, older brother Jordan Eyers, Jedd Longmire, Darcy Hope, Caleb Bertram and Bailey Minogue.
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