The Tigers will carry No. 19 as a mark of respect for the popular backman who suffered spinal injuries against Yarrawonga in round one.

The club’s netballers will also wear the number on their dresses.

“We spoke about it at length last week and it’s just our way of doing something small for a good mate and teammate,” co-coach Daniel Maher said yesterday.

“There will be emotions during the year and tough times, but we will work through it together.

“James doesn’t want a big fuss made over him and we’ll be keeping things as normal as we can while at the same time showing respect for him.”

While the seriousness of McQuillan’s injuries could be weeks away from being determined, Maher said the university student was in good spirits after being taken out of intensive care at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne this week.

Albury, which split the points with the Pigeons after the match was called off, is expecting a tough hitout against Wangaratta Rovers at W.J. Findlay Oval today.

“A few of us went for a look at Rovers and North Albury last weekend and they played well,” he said.

“They have some really good players at the stoppages in Sam Carpenter and James Sheahan and hopefully we can limit their effectiveness by winning enough of our own ball.

“Alex Marklew had about five shots on goal by half-time and obviously (Daniel) Archer and some of their other new blokes make them solid down the middle.

“We will have our work cut out.”

Albury is confident defender Will Smith’s hamstring injury isn’t as bad as first thought, with the left-footer hopeful of missing only two matches.