That’s the message that has gone out to the North Albury players ahead of today’s clash with Wodonga, as Mannagh and injured skipper David Miles take over coaching duties while Akermanis is overseas on a family holiday.

“Our gameplan stays the same and the standards stay the same,” Mannagh said.

“It’s just a different voice giving the instructions.

“These guys have been playing long enough as a group to know what’s expected of them, and we’re confident that if we keep playing to the standard we have in the last few weeks we’re a good chance of winning.”

Akermanis will have been absent both times the Hoppers have faced the Bulldogs this season, after serving a one-match suspension when the teams met in round 1.

While Akermanis last week admitted that his absence that day hadn’t helped the team in the surprise loss, Mannagh said today’s match would be a different story.

“The key difference is that we’ve got nine matches under our belt instead of one pre-season game,” he said.

“I think we were a little bit underdone at the start of the season, but at the end of the day that isn’t really an excuse.

“We’ll make sure that we work on our strengths and limit their opportunities as best we can.”

While Mannagh brings an experienced hand to the game day preparations, he says the words of fellow caretaker David Miles will be invaluable to the young Hoppers team.

“David and I bring different things to the table in terms of how we go about coaching, and his experience from years at the club will be really important to our players,” Mannagh said.

“He’s had a hand in the development of players like Josh Lloyd, he knows what makes them tick, so having him contributing in that capacity is really important to us.

“He’s a highly respected member of the club and of the O and M competition, and that’s something our players respond to.”

Above all though, Mannagh said today’s clash was just another day at the office.