VICTORIA Country coach Peter Knights has backed Ovens and Murray trio Brayden O’Hara, Elliott Powell and Matt Dussin to play leading roles against Victoria Metro at Preston on Sunday.
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Knights has included O’Hara in his six-man leadership group after being impressed with his performance against VAFA last season.
“I hadn’t seen Elliott or Matt play up until last weekend when I made the trip to Myrtleford to have a look at the Albury and Myrtleford game,” Knights said.
“It was a good, tough game and a great opportunity to see some of the players I hadn’t seen play before.
“It was terrific to see young Elliott as he’s been performing well on the track.
“He played well against the Hampden league earlier in the year as well while we know exactly what we get from Brayden.
“His leadership in a young side is going to be really important for us.”
Albury spearhead Josh Mellington and Wodonga Raider Jydon Neagle were named in the original squad before being squeezed out of the 25-man line-up.
Former Raider key position player Scott Meyer, who plays in the South East Football League, has been selected in the side.
“I’m really pleased with the way it’s come up,” Knights said.
“It’s been a long six weeks since we selected the original squad
“We have a blend of youth and experience and the boys are ready to go.
“We have had four training runs together and that shows the level of commitment as most of the players play the previous day.”
Sunday’s clash will be Knights’ last in charge after almost 20 years at the helm of senior and junior Victoria Country sides.
North Albury’s Dom Brew and Shaun Mannagh, Myrtleford’s Riley and Brady Sharp and Luke Quirk and Corowa-Rutherglen’s Jay O’Donoghue will play in the under-19 match.
Matches start at 11.15am and 2pm.
