LAVINGTON coach James Saker has a message for anyone thinking the 2016 premiership race is a foregone conclustion – the Panthers can win the flag.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Saker has heard all the pre-season chatter about two-time reigning premier Albury being home and hosed after recruiting Daniel Cross, Shaun Daly and Josh Mellington.
Hard to beat? Absolutely. Unbeatable? No way.
Saker says the pain of last year’s grand final loss to Albury will drive the Panthers when the teams kick off the season on Good Friday at Lavington.
“Given the way they’ve recruited and the resources they have, it’s going to be a tough start but I’m pretty confident with the way our boys are going,” he said.
“They look stronger in certain areas but I think there’s some areas we can exploit.
“Our goal going into the year is to win the premiership and we think we are capable of doing that.
“The driver there is we’ve tasted defeat and how difficult that was.
“We want to taste the other side of it.
“Given the way our group is tracking at the moment, I’m not doubting our motivation or our hunger to go one step further.”
Luke Gestier has joined the Panthers from Corowa-Rutherglen and will add another dimension to their attack alongside Doug Strang medallist Adam Prior.
Gestier kicked five goals against Albury in round two last season and Saker is looking forward to seeing him in action on Friday night.
“I think if our forwards can get some good supply we’ll be able to worry them a little bit but obviously their midfield has been bolstered and ‘Melso’ (Mellington) looks like a good fit up forward for them,” he said.
“No doubt it’s going to be a difficult game and we’ll have our hands full but I’m also pretty confident our best footy will make it a pretty entertaining night.
“Albury has its fair share of talent, that’s clear, but I think if our boys showcase their talent, we can really damage anyone on the scoreboard.”
