WODONGA coach Ben Hollands is confident the Bulldogs can handle Lavington’s star-studded forward line in tomorrow’s season-opener at Lavington.
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The Panthers will unleash their best forward line in more than a decade at home under lights tomorrow, with Justin Koschitzke, Adam Prior and Adam Flagg all picked to play.
Koschitzke, who played 200 games for St Kilda in the AFL, will line up alongside former Greater Western Sydney youngster Flagg and three-time Doug Strang medallist Prior.
But Hollands said his depleted side, which has a dozen senior players unavailable for selection because of injury, would rise to the occasion.
“I’ve got no doubt,” Hollands said.
“We’re really happy with the side we’ve been able to put on the park.
“Obviously they’ve got some big names up forward but we have guys who can fill roles and do the job for us.
“I won’t give too much away, but we’ve got options.”
Zach Jones, Chris Macey and Andrew Carter have all been named in defence for Wodonga, with Macey all
but certain to get the job on Prior.
Hollands said limiting supply to Lavington’s tall targets would be key to the Bulldogs’ chances of causing an upset.
“Something I guess we’ve been renowned for over the last few years is being competitive around the footy and building pressure up the field,” he said.
“We need to do that and make sure it’s not coming in easy for those guys up forward.”
Lavington will be without two key players of its own tomorrow night, with midfield ace Luke Garland and 300-gamer John Hunt both injured.
Garland has a bulging disc in his back, while Hunt has ankle problems.
The club is confident both will be right for the Panthers’ second round clash at Myrtleford on April 20.
Chris Annett, who took out Lavington’s thirds best and fairest last season, has been picked to make his debut.