WANGARATTA is preparing for speed machine Robbie Hicks to come under the microscope in Saturday’s big clash with Yarrawonga.
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The lighting quick recruit from Doutta Stars set the Wangaratta derby alight last week, booting a match-winning seven goals in the 67-point rout of the Rovers.
Magpies co-captain Matt Kelly said Hicks had shone in the absence of injured key forward, Joel Harris.
But the Pigeons will have done their homework on Hicks, who is set to come under plenty of scrutiny at the Norm Minns Oval.
“With Joely Harris going down, we’ve had to be a bit smarter with how we go into the forward line,” Kelly said.
“He’s been playing deep forward and has been really good.
“He’s lightening quick, we just need to get it down to him.”
Hicks now has 38 goals from 14 games, nine behind Doug Strang Medal leader Brayden O’Hara, of Albury.
Interestingly, Hicks was kept goalless in the corresponding fixture with Yarrawonga, when the Pigeons booted 7.2 to 2.2 in the fourth term to run away with a 61-point win in round six.
Daniel Boyle was among Wangaratta’s best that day at the J.C. Lowe Oval, but he will miss this match because of a two-game suspension.
It’s a huge blow for the Magpies, who will miss his dash from the backline.
“He’s starting to play some pretty good footy now so he’ll be a big loss,” Kelly said.
“He breaks the lines, which not many guys can do.
“We’ve got a couple of injuries from last week and Boyley being suspended makes it a bit more difficult.”
The Magpies will also be without Justin Hoggan, who will sit out the last four rounds to focus on his family and his NFL punting career.
The Pigeons lose Jarryd Whinray, but they get Wade Lees back from overseas.
They also get some pace back through youngsters Bronson Schofield and Brady Pritchard, while veteran ruckman Steve McKee will play his second game of the season in the reserves.
In the seniors, Yarrawonga is fourth on the ladder and needs to win to keep the pressure on third-placed Wodonga Raiders.
“It will be a tough game for us,” co-coach Drew Barnes said.
“They’re looking at the top five, and we’re looking for a top-three finish.
“It’s a mini-final.”
The Magpies can’t afford to lose for different reasons.
They’re seventh on the ladder but can still play finals footy if they keep winning.
