Young footballer skips state league to help rebuild struggling club
Archer Scammell, 21, turned down state league football to stay at struggling Wodonga Raiders.
Archer Scammell has chosen loyalty over advancement, staying at Wodonga Raiders instead of pursuing state league football. The Raiders have struggled severely, winning only seven of their past 88 games and holding the equal-third longest losing streak in local history at 36 games.
Scammell recently won the club's best and fairest award. He said staying felt right because so many players grew up as Raiders juniors and want the club to succeed.
The team has shown early signs of life, beating top three pre-season fancies Albury in round nine and Corowa-Rutherglen in July. The 21-year-old is 184 centimetres tall.
He learned wing football in 2025 to improve his midfield work. Then he shifted into the midfield this year.
He says the move has given him better body position and understanding of game patterns.
- 7 of 88
- Games won
- 36 games
- Losing streak
- 21
- Age
- 277
- Best and fairest votes
Why it mattersYoung players choosing to rebuild struggling clubs matter. This shows whether local talent stays put or looks for stronger teams instead, shaping regional football's future.
AustraliaWodonga Raiders' revival depends on junior players like Scammell committing to the long rebuild in an Ovens and Murray league struggling with uneven competition.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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