Rovers emerge from hiatus with promising 11-point trial loss to St George

Almost 18 months to the day since the green and white jumper was last on show, the Hoppers battled hard in humid conditions with recruit Jeremy Sykes starring with two goals.

The match was a chance for playing coach Barrett and non-playing coach Carroll to nail down playing style and strategy before they open the Riverina League season against Turvey Park at Maher Oval on April 17.

Coolamon was one of four Riverina League teams who opted not to take part in last year's AFL Riverina Championship, and Barrett said the match was a welcome return to normality.

"I think we lost by about two goals but the boys were just happy to be back out there," Barrett said.

"We probably only had three or four blokes out there on the weekend that played last. As a team I still felt we played well even though we lost, just having a game for 18 months got the best of us towards the end.

"We had a beer with St George after the game which everyone has missed, even the teams who played last year couldn't really go back to the sheds or the pub."

Barrett also highlighted ruckman Anthony Atkin and Jeremy Maslin as standouts, as well as young defender Josh Buchanan.

"I know Belconnen was really impressed with him when he played there last year and he showed again on the weekend the talent he has," Barrett said.

"He talks all game and once we get some experienced defenders back there to help him, it will be good for him."

Barrett is confident the different perspectives he and Carroll can offer will benefit the Hoppers.

"We had a plan for the game on how to run things together, and it worked really well," Barrett said.

"'Curl' (Carroll) has been unreal since he's been here and the way he organised rotations and everything was really good.

"We're pretty happy with the way it's going to unfold and we're working really well together.

"If there's calls to be made immediately I can do that on the field, but Mark can also provide a perspective from the bench.

"It also allows me just to clear my mind up and go out and play, which is best for the team."

The Hoppers will play another trial against Gungahlin Jets in Canberra this Saturday.

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