Midfielder Tim McAuley, in just his third game this year, hurt his shoulder early in the 16.15 (111) to 5.7 (37) win. It wasn’t as early as Barellan star Sean Ellis, who did a hamstring in the warm-up and didn’t play at all. 

That setback didn’t help the Two Blues and Temora grabbed the start they wanted opening up a 34-point lead by quarter-time. They were held goal-less in the second before getting on top after half-time and enjoying a comfortable victory.

“We dropped away in the second quarter and they outscored us,” Wooden said. 

“They dropped blokes back and made it hard for us. But after half-time we moved the ball quite well. It’s probably the best we’ve moved it coming off our half-back line, which was good.”

Chris Stacey, in the ruck for a sore Anthony Atkin, was superb for the Roos while backman Angus McRae had another big game. Matt Wallis (five goals) and Jake Wooden (four) kicked more than half their goals. 

“It was pleasing,” Wooden said of the win.

“We’re really looking forward to this bye, we’ve just been getting through the last couple of weeks.”

McAuley’s injury adds another question mark over his ongoing availability, pending a move north. The Kangaroos were without defender Liam Pattison as well as Atkin while Chase Grintell and Abe Wooden have been sidelined for weeks but could be close to a return in a fortnight.

The Ellis injury is a big worry for the Two Blues. Matt Irvin, Oliver Delves and James McCabe were their best on Saturday. They travel to Gumly next week to meet the Hawks.