MOYHU skipper Andrew Balfour has sent out a warning to the rest of the Ovens and King league, saying the premier has had its best preseason for several years.
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The Hoppers start their Ovens and King league title defence in tomorrow’s Good Friday blockbuster against Greta at W.J. Findlay Oval, a home game for the Blues that is certain to attract a big crowd in Wangaratta.
“The preseason’s been good and everyone is keen to get back into it,” five-time premiership player Balfour said yesterday.
“It’s probably one of the best preseasons we’ve had in a long time.
“We’ll pick the sides tonight but I’m assuming we’ll be pretty much full-strength.”
The Hoppers are likely to unveil new recruits Frazer Dent-Ould, Joel Fisher and Justin Gervasoni but will be without ruckman Dan McInness who is unavailable.
Blues fans will get their first look at star recruit Anthony McGuire, while Scott Glover and midfielder Liam Dakin will also make their debuts.
Fellow recruits Stephen Brooks and Matt Lacey are unlikely to play but Blues coach Daniel McLaughlin is still expecting a strong first-up performance from his side.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to have a hit out against the premiers,” McLaughlin said.
“And it’s a great opportunity to play on an O and M ground in front of a big crowd.
“It will be a good experience for the boys and we’ll put the best side out there we can and hopefully give it a shake.”
Moyhu lost once in 2011 and will have a target on its back.
Balfour knows replicating last season will be almost impossible but it won’t stop the Hoppers from trying.
“It’s got to be very difficult this year,” he said.
“We’ve got the side to do it again but other sides have picked up so it’s going to be tough most weeks.”
Elsewhere, Bonnie Doon hosts Milawa tomorrow and King Valley hosts Benalla All Blacks on Saturday.
