NORTH Albury will unveil boom recruit Jason Gram today.
The former St Kilda ace will play his first game for the Hoppers in the club’s practice match at Mansfield.
But Hopper fans will have to wait before they get a look at new playing-coach Jason Akermanis, who revealed he won’t play against the Eagles in their modified six-quarter hit-out.
Akermanis said he expected to play next weekend against Canberra-based powerhouse Ainslie.
“That’s the one we’re really targeting,” Akermanis said.
“But it’ll be good to see how they go today.
“We’ve put a lot of work in over the past few months and it’s always good to see how it stacks up against another team.
“The senior guys will play three quarters, I think, and I’d say Grammy should play at least two of those.”
Former Chiltern coach Brian Durbidge — who officially jumped on board this week — will also play for the Hoppers.
Adam Prior and Ben Ryan join Akermanis on the sidelines.
Former No. 1 draft pick Josh Fraser, who came perilously close to joining the Hoppers himself, will have his first hit-out for Mansfield.