NORTH Albury coach Jason Akermanis knows stopping Jack Di Mizio, Jydon Neagle and Hayden Heta alone won’t guarantee victory against Wodonga Raiders.
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But it certainly won’t harm the Hoppers’ chances.
The Raiders are one of the form teams of the competition after winning four of their five past matches and they can overtake the Hoppers on the ladder with victory at Birallee Park on Saturday.
“When they’ve won, their good players have played well in Di Mizio, Neagle and Hayden Heta,” he said.
“They seem to be their three keys, when they get plenty of it they’re going to be more chance of winning.”
When they’ve won, their good players have played well in Di Mizio, Neagle and Hayden Heta
- North Albury coach Jason Akermanis
North Albury’s chances of breaking a two-match losing streak got a boost at the selection table with Akermanis, Rory Feltwell, Matt Endresz and Josh Minogue coming into the Hoppers’ side.
“We’re not getting caught up in the winning as much as the actual processes, because that’s been the issue,” he said.
“A win for both teams would be handy but we really need to see a progression into a really solid defensive effort.
“If we get that, then the wins will come.
“Our game plan works but it won’t work if we’re not talking to each other.”
The Hoppers’ game plan will face a stern test against the Raiders, who have been in good form after a stuttering start to the season.
Adam Flagg played his best match for the season in the Raiders’ round seven win against Myrtleford while the Rouse twins, Zach and Jordan, are starting to show why they were so highly rated in the TAC Cup.
Brad St John will play his 50th match for the Raiders against the Hoppers after coming through the club’s junior ranks.
St John’s speed and skill on a wing has been crucial to the Raiders’ resurgence and he will be full of confidence after representing the Ovens and Murray against Hampden in Warrnambool last weekend.
- Another report: P10