THE Ovens and Murray’s defensive stocks have taken a hit ahead of Saturday’s interleague clash against Hampden with Brant Dickson suffering a potentially serious ankle injury.
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The Lavington star went down in the opening term at Yarrawonga and didn’t return to the field as the Panthers staged a memorable come-from-behind win against the Pigeons.
Dickson has been one of the Panthers’ shining lights this season and his ability to play forward, back and in the ruck was a key part of Jon Henry and Darrell Spencer’s plans in Warrnambool.
While his injury robs the Ovens and Murray of a tall defensive option, the league has no shortage of in-form defenders.
Wodonga Raiders captain Jack Di Mizio was best-on-ground in his side’s victory at Myrtleford and Jono Spina was instrumental in the Panthers’ win at Yarrawonga. Ex-VFL and SANFL defender Jackson Heagney-Steart is also in the squad.
“We’ve had to put a bit of thought into our defence because we’re really conscious of picking guys that play those positions in defence,” Henry said.
“Down back, we want a small negative defender, a full-back that can get the job done, we need some runners as well so they’re things we’re really conscious of.
“We just want the guys we pick to play their role, we’re confident they will.”
Henry and Spencer will be hoping the defence doesn’t have too much work to do with the league boasting powerful on-ball and attacking divisions.
Albury star Brayden O’Hara looks certain to overcome a minor niggle to join teammates Daniel Cross and Joel Mackie in the interleague side.
Tiger spearhead Josh Mellington, who has kicked 58 goals for the season, is set to be joined by Raiders ace Jydon Neagle up forward but Adam Flagg appears unlikely after pulling up sore following the win against the Saints.
The squad will hold a recovery session at John Foord Oval on Monday before training at the Albury Sportsground on Wednesday, when the final team will be announced.
- More O&M: P44-45
Xavier Mardling
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
