The association’s best attack will tackle the powerhouse of the past decade in the most eagerly anticipated clash of the season on Saturday.
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Four-time champions Wodonga will host Lavington in the battle of the only undefeated teams.
Wodonga’s experienced coach was quizzed if the match meant more.
“Honestly, not really, we approach every game exactly the same, whether it’s last or first on the ladder,” Robbie Jackson said.
“That would be disrespectful to the other teams if we said this was more important than any other game.”
Jackson might be adopting a low-profile public approach, but it’s viewed by many as the grand final preview.
Wodonga toppled Lavington in last season’s decider and both are stronger this year.
The Panthers boast a star-studded attack in ex-New Zealand quick Daryl Tuffey and the Brown brothers Ryan and Nathan.
The other crucial element of the quartet – Brett Davies – is still out with a hamstring injury.
“We just have to value our wickets, which we do week in, week out and jump on the loose balls that are provided,” Jackson said.
“If they don’t provide any loose balls, we’ll just have to try and work the good ones into gaps.”
Tuffey has taken just the four wickets in six games, but boasts the second-best economy rate of any bowler in the top 50.
The tall paceman is conceding 2.71 runs per over, while New City’s first-class player Sam Grant is 2.67.
“I like to face the opposition’s best bowler every week and all our boys look forward to facing the best bowlers to see where we’re at,” Jackson said.
Tuffey says he’s loving the return to full-time cricket.
“I’ve been enjoying it, it’s the first time in a couple of years I’ve played consistently,” he said.
“The team’s been playing really well, so that always makes it more enjoyable.”
Lavington is raving about the 39-year old’s impact, on and off the field, with the 26-Test quick happy to share any tips with opposition players.
“Yeah, definitely, I talk to quite a few different guys as much as I can in the opposition because I always like to hear their take on how they saw the game,” he said.
The prospect of rain could ‘juice up’ Wodonga’s wicket, which will only add to Jackson’s importance.
The former Australian Country representative thrives on the pressure moments, striking four half-centuries in the six grand final appearances.
That haul includes an unbeaten 54 in the heavy loss to Belvoir two seasons ago, where only one other player made double figures.
Lavington has won its six matches, while Wodonga tied against Tallangatta.
