WODONGA star Josh Hicks says his side has nothing to lose and everything to gain in Saturday’s match at Albury.
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The Tigers are unbeaten this season and are on a winning streak that’s now at 20, while the Dogs are clinging on to their finals dream.
The punters don’t give Wodonga a chance – sportsbet has the Dogs $101 to win the flag and Albury at $1.10 – but the underdogs tag is just the way they like it at the John Flower Oval.
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” Hicks said.
“They’re obviously the powerhouse of the competition and we’re certainly coming from a fair way back.
“It will be a good challenge to see where we are at.
“We’ll throw everything at them and see how we go.”
Veteran midfielder Jarrod Twitt is out of the Wodonga side because of a broken thumb, but Tim Kindellan returns from his one-match suspension.
Veteran forward Daniel Bradshaw has been named for the Dogs and will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.
“We’ve had some wins without him but we’d definitely prefer he played, though,” Dogs midfielder John Pratt said.
“He kicks goals and takes their main defender.
“He draws a lot of attention and brings other blokes into the game.
“The boys stand a bit taller with Daniel next to them.”
Albury won the corresponding fixture by 58 points in round six.
Bradshaw booted five that day, but Albury stars Dean Polo and Brayden O’Hara helped the Tigers click into gear in the second half after leading by 24 points at halftime.
“We’ve got nothing to lose and they’ve got everything to lose,” Pratt said.
“We’re going to give it a fair old crack.
“If it rains that will help us out a bit and play into our hands.”
Albury will virtually be at full-strength.
Elliott Powell will miss with the knee injury he sustained last week against Wodonga Raiders, while Michael Thompson and Alex Goodall again miss out.
“Wodonga is a physical side and the conditions will probably suit them,” Tigers co-captain Luke Packer said.
“It was a good performance last week and we need to back it up.”
Irish brothers Setanta and Aisake O’hAilpin were dominant in last week’s 83-point thrashing of the Raiders, and the Tigers are hoping for more of the same.
“The O’hAilpins were great last week and hopefully they can continue on,” Packer said.
“They’re great characters around the club and when they’re up and going it drags everyone with them.”
