Hoping to spark his side after last week’s disappointing loss to the Eastern Ranges, coach Darren Ogier is taking an altered forward line into the match.

“We need multiple goal-kickers,” Ogier said.

“We can’t afford to rely on Josh (Schache) too much, the more avenues to goal we have, the better.”

Benalla’s David Mennen will have an opportunity to show his worth at both ends of the ground, named a half-forward after playing most of the season in the back half.

He’ll combine with Albury duo Dylan McDonald and the returning Zach Sproule in the forward 50, with Hoppers spearhead Josh Minogue also set to carry more of the goalkicking workload.

Tall Wodonga pair Mitch King and Trent McMullan will miss this week through injury and are expected to be available for the first week of the finals, while Harrison Payne and Shaun Mannagh are also slated for a return.

Ogier was happy to have Corowa-Rutherglen defender Ryan Garthwaite back to bolster the backline, alongside Nick Coughlan and Brady Sharp.

“We really missed Garthwaite last week,” Ogier said.

“We have a pretty solid trio of defenders down there, and we really need them to stand up this week.” 

With King and second ruckman Kyle Galloway set to sit out on Saturday, Yarrawonga’s Max Canfield will take on the role as number one ruckman, with second gamer Max Lynch to come off the bench.

“The Pioneers don’t have an abundance of strong, taller players and rucks, so it’s a good opportunity for these two to have an influence on the game,” Ogier said.

“Lynch showed a bit last week in his first TAC Cup game, he moves well for a bottom age player of his size.” 

Despite the Pioneers only registering two wins for the season so far, Ogier warned of a fast, developing outfit.

“They’ve brought in a few under-16 players who are highly skilled and bring plenty of run,” Ogier said.

“We need a four quarter effort to win, we can’t fade like we did last week.”