After narrowly missing the finals last season, a 5-3 start has given the Hoppers a grip on third place, a game clear of Wodonga Raiders, Yarrawonga and Wodonga.

While their early form has been impressive, Akermanis didn’t think much had changed compared to last year.

“I think a lot of people overlook that we lost a lot of games by two goals or less last season,” he said.

“The difference this year is we haven’t buckled under pressure late.

“If we don’t make top three this year we can’t blame anyone but ourselves, we’ve got the talent to do it.”

After being unaware of North Albury’s debt situation when he arrived at the club, Akermanis said fostering young local talent instead of buying travelling established stars was paying off.

“You look at the impact young players like Hunter Lloyd and Daniel Lieschke have had on the side, their efforts have allowed Dan Leslie to play a midfield or forward role instead of forcing us to play him in the back half,” the coach said.

“Those 18- to 22-year-old guys who were recruited from country leagues have become walk-up starts.

“I learned quickly when I started here that I don’t like travellers, I wanted players who were from the area that we could build a strong club culture around, and we’re starting to see the results of that this season.”

Against Corowa-Rutherglen today, Akermanis said it would be up to his forwards to ensure influential Roos pair Al Austin and Kade Kuschert weren’t able to dictate play from their defensive half.

“Those two are the baro- meter for their side, it’s on guys like Dan Leslie and Kylin Morey to make them work, and ensure that they can’t win easy ball,” he said.

“Corowa-Rutherglen haven’t been helped by the amount of players they’ve lost early on, but they’re still a dangerous side.

“Getting our match-ups right early will be important.”

Akermanis leaves for a three-week overseas holiday with his family tomorrow, with injured skipper David Miles and assistant coach Craig Mannagh to share the Hoppers’ coaching duties in his absence.