ABC News | Graham Hosier left New Zealand 40 years ago for country Australia, eschewing rugby for Australian rules.

But the president of Corowa-Rutherglen Football Netball Club still calls himself a Kiwi, and he feels something of a kindred spirit to one famous compatriot in particular — Sir Edmund Hilary.

"He was told he couldn't climb Mount Everest. We were told if you go into recess you'll never come back," he said.

“Well, he climbed Everest."

The Roos are one of several Victorian local football clubs returning after a year's forced break, each overcoming familiar obstacles.

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