DEFENDING premier Albury is bracing itself for an aerial raid from Lavington in today’s top of the table showdown at Albury Sportsground.

With the Panthers’ tall forward line of Justin Koschitzke, Tom Yensch, Andrew Dess and Adam Prior terrorising Wodonga Raiders a fortnight ago, Tiger co-coach Chris Hyde said yesterday he was expecting similar tactics.

“I have no doubt they will try and stretch us,” Hyde said.

“They have a lot of tall timber there especially with Jamarl (O’Sullivan) coming into the side.

“Nick Meredith and Matt Hay have plenty of height as well so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

“We know Lavington is a quality side and we will need to bring our best football to the table.”

Lavington faces a selection dilemma with its big-man stocks in coming weeks, with automatic selections James Saker and Adam Butler set to return from injury.

The Tigers averted a potential disaster with Setanta and Aisake o’hAilpin returning from suspension this week, while Will Haberecht held his spot after a strong performance in the ruck against Wodonga.

Saker said he was pleased with Lavington’s form since losing to Myrtleford in round 3, but stressed today would be his team’s biggest test.

“I think we are fairly comfortably with where we are at,” Saker said.

“It’s pretty common among the group that if we bring our best footy we will be right in it.

“We have had lulls this year and, although we have responded to challenges, I would rather us be more consistent.”

Hyde and Saker believe the battle in the midfield will be decisive with several run-with roles on the cards.

Joel O’Connell has a good record playing on Panther veteran Matt Pendergast, while Sam Harris looks the logical match-up for Tiger star Joel Mackie.