A lean Carroll kicked two goals playing across half-forward in his first senior appearance for the Ovens and Murray club since 2006.

The NSW Country representative, who assisted coach Paul Spargo with training and pre-match warm-ups last season, is unlikely to make a final decision on whether his troublesome knee can withstand the rigours of another season for three or four weeks.

Albury’s star-studded midfield dictated play against the Hoppers with Shaun Daly and Chris Hyde looking set to repeat last year’s dominating form.

Andrew Carey was lively in attack kicking three goals and spraying several others, while Andrew Robinson, Josh Merkel, Carroll, Luke Daly, Daniel McAlister and Sam Cross flashed in and out of the play.

Scott Bartel and Luke Packer also made handy contributions.

Star North Albury recruit Damian Cupido picked up plenty of touches across half-back before pushing forward with his sublime foot skills catching the Tigers off guard on several occasions.

Kurt Bradshaw, Kris Holman, Matt McDonald, Joel Price and Brandon Ryan were others to impress.

Hopper captain Dan Leslie kicked two goals pitted against Michael Thompson and often had to battle two or three opponents with the ball being bombed in his direction.

Albury went into the tussle without Matt Fowler, Daniel Maher and Luke Carroll, while Mark Bush and Joel Mackie played in the reserves.

North Albury’s Brent Piltz, James Paton, Nic Holman and Kade Brown were absent.

Meanwhile, full-forward Tony Pierri kicked five goals as Wodonga Raiders posted a comfortable victory against Myrtleford at the Albury Sportsground yesterday.

Pierri took a series of strong marks in blustery conditions to capitalise on the good work of Matt Spencer and Williamstown recruit Tom Langlands further afield.

Spencer was outstanding in his comeback from a serious ankle injury while Langlands and Scott Meyer, who worked hard at centre half-forward in Adam Cook’s absence, showed they will be valuable additions to Birallee Park this season.

The Raiders used the six-quarter hitout to play a senior squad until half-time, which they led 10.6 to 1.3, before a reserves-based outfit rounded out a comfortable win.