JAMES Tonkin's timely return to Wodonga's lineup has Dan Dixon excited about their prospects against reigning premiers Tallangatta.
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The Bulldogs veteran played his first game for the season in last round's win over New City, and Dixon said he hadn't missed a beat.
“Getting him back has really rejuvenated the group,” he said.
“Given the players we lost and gained at the start of the season, I don't think any of us would have thought we'd be in the position we are.
“We've certainly exceeded our own expectations.
“There's no pressure on James to come in and play out of his skin.
“He's only going to help us out though, he hit a nice 22 against New City and everything has been coming out of the middle for him at training.”
Dixon said some changes to their bowling philosophy had allowed them to back up their strong batting efforts with the ball.
The bowling line-up hasn't had any major changes, other than the loss of Brendan Klein-Boonschate.
Instead, Dixon said a power of work from bowling coach Leigh Collins had shaped their attack into a more consistent beast.
“I think our bowling has been pretty tight and pretty honest for most of the year,” he said.
“It's been something we worked on extensively before the season started and it's good to see some positive results come out of it.”
Collins said tweaking the lines and lengths the Bulldogs bowlers pursued was paying dividends.
“We haven't tried to do anything too over the top,” he said.
“At the little things we;ve been working on doing have been adding up to wickets.
“Getting the seam upright, adding some variation, bowling multiple maidens in a row.
“They're all really little things that we've worked on tightening up.
“Being consistent with our line and length has also been a priority.”
The likes of Collins and Beau Kennedy have been the cornerstone of the attack this season, while the likes of Jack Craig and leg-spinner Phil Stahl have shown plenty of potential when given opportunities.
“Even Andrew Weighell has been handy when he's come on, he gets them to skid on a bit and catch people off guard.
“Dan Dixon nabbed five against North Albury as well, we have some good options there.”
Saturday's match will also mark the first time English brother James and Andrew Weighell face off on Australian soil.
In other matches this round, Lavington will host Albury, the battling East Albury will tackle New City, North Albury face off against Belvoir, who will be missing Matt Jaensch, and St Pats host the Raiders.