MATT CRAM: Well there’s no telling how things will pan out but you’d have to say Cal, although he might not be the most talented player in the side, was one of Albury’s most important as a rare key position player.

NS: Not sure if that’s exactly true — the Tigers seem reasonably well-stocked for big bodies in the front and back half. But as their one gun ruckman, McClay’s loss could hit Albury hard. No doubt Joss and co are scouring the land to find a recruit to fill big Cal’s large shoes.

MC: Agree to disagree there, but at the end of the day I don’t think that midfield needs to be spoon-fed to remain the most damaging on-ball division.

NS: For sure. It’s shaping up as a very interesting season in the O and M. I noticed you were one of the few pundits not to pick Wodonga Raiders for the top-five in today’s 2010 football lift-out. Don’t rate Corey’s boys?

MC: I certainly do, but positions three to nine were more or less a lottery, which is exciting. Mind you, I gave the Raiders a mention in the ‘recruit of the year’ section with midfielder Tom Langlands. He showed what an exciting prospect he is against Rochester last week; classy, strong and doesn’t stop running.

NS: After initial concerns about the number of quality players leaving the competition, some very exciting recruits are starting to emerge. Speaking of exciting, the first round of the Cricket Albury-Wodonga finals series was exceptional.

MC: In both Provincial and District cricket, too. Who’s your tip for the flags?

NS: Whoever wins out of Lavington and North Albury is my tip to win the Provincial comp, while I think New City has it in the bag in District.

MC: Is it true CAW is renaming all of its grandstands ‘The Phonebox’ for the cricket finals?

NS: Are you trying to insinuate local cricket doesn’t draw big crowds?

MC: Yes.

NS: ...