SHUTTING down Wodonga Raiders speedster Ross Tungatalum will be a job for more than one North Albury backman, according to caretaker Hopper coach Craig Mannagh.
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“Rocco” Tungatalum has been in sensational form, kicking 21 goals in his past three appearances, and shapes as the biggest threat to North Albury locking down on the double chance.
“We haven’t spoken about it yet, but Ross is obviously playing really good footy and the most important thing is to limit the supply,” he said.
“If the footy isn’t getting down there it makes it a lot more difficult.
“It’s important we make him earn his kicks.
“We have plenty of blokes like Liam Butler or Ryan Polkinghorne, who played well on Jamie Allan at the weekend, or Tom Weldon, who did the job on Craig Ednie, but if you start worrying about opposition players too much you end up playing a defensive game.
“I’m more worried about limiting the supply.
“It’s like when you play Wodonga, if you limit the supply Daniel Bradshaw won’t kick a bag.”
While Polkinghorne looks the obvious choice to pick up Tungatalum after holding Allan at Norm Minns Oval on Saturday, the Northern Territory star could again be unstoppable if he gets his tail up early.
The Hoppers can gain heart after holding the goalsneak goalless in the wet at Bunton Park earlier in the season.
With Albury and Lavington safe at the top of the ladder, North Albury and Wodonga Raiders are vying for third position with seven rounds left.
Mannagh said it was a huge opportunity for the Hoppers.
“We see it as another great challenge for the boys,” he said.
“Wodonga Raiders are a really good side and we will need to play our best footy.
“Our boys are sticking to the task against Wangaratta and got the points and it’s going to require similar commitment and persistence on Saturday.”
North Albury is on a six-match winning streak while Wodonga Raiders have strung together four successive victories.