LAVINGTON ruckman Jamarl O’Sullivan doesn’t believe the Panthers choked against Albury earlier in the season and is tipping the re-match to be another close battle.
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The two best teams of 2015 lock horns at the Lavington Sportsground, in what could be a grand final preview.
Lavington was in a match-winning position against the Tigers earlier in the season, but coughed up a 16-point lead at the 18-minute mark of the final quarter to go down by that same margin.
The reigning premier slammed on the last five goals of the match in a brutal counter-punch.
“At the end of the day they got the win and we lost,” O’Sullivan said.
“You just have to take your opportunities.
“It was a cracking game.
“Unfortunately we played our best footy for three and a bit quarters and that wasn’t good enough.”
There’s been plenty of water to go under the bridge since that round 7 classic.
The Tigers still haven’t lost a game, while the Panthers were also faultless – they lost to Myrtleford in round three - before last week’s hiccup against Wodonga Raiders.
O’Sullivan returns from suspension to face his old side, while Panthers coach James Saker has been named as one of six changes.
Justin Koschitzke booted three against the Tigers earlier in the season, but is unavailable in a huge blow for the Panthers.
O’Sullivan said last week’s loss to the Raiders was a wake-up call for Lavington before the finals.
“I’m not sure hurting is the correct word,” he said.
“A lot can be taken out of it.
“We have to stick together, on and off the field.
“If anything, it builds that bond and that respect for each other.
“We are just excited about the opportunity that is coming our way.”
Albury is also looking forward to a hard hit-out.
Tigers co-captain Luke Packer said this was the perfect prelude to the upcoming finals series.
“It’s going to be a good test,” Packer said.
“Obviously they’ve got a few out and it’s going to change before finals, but it will be good to see where we are at.”
Albury is close to full-strength, bringing in several big names, including young gun Elliott Powell.
Packer said Powell had done the wrong thing by playing reserves for Dederang-Mount Beauty last weekend, but he had no issue with his senior selection for this match.
“People might have their own views,” Packer said.
“He’s a really good kid, but made a silly mistake.
“We’ve moved on pretty quick from it, really.”
