YARRAWONGA has received a big boost at selection, with star backman Connor Hargreaves returning to face Lavington in Sunday’s preliminary final.
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Hargreaves, who was best afield in last year’s grand final loss to Albury, missed the semi-final win over Wodonga Raiders with the flu.
Yarrawonga also named Matt Dwyer and Matt Gorman on an extended bench for the grand final qualifier at the John Flower Oval.
Lavington recalled forgotten ruckman Tom Yensch, while Luke McLellan and Jonathon Spina also come in on an extended bench.
Teams are likely to be finalised on Saturday.
The Panthers have lost the past two grand final deciders by a point and enter this one on the back of a disappointing loss to Albury.
But Lavington coach James Saker said his side is relishing the pressure.
“There’s probably some pressure, but I think that’s a good pressure,” Saker said.
“You want to take on really good opposition in finals.
“We want to handle it and we think we will.
“No one’s expectations are higher than those within the group.
“We know what we’re capable of.”
Lavington has won both encounters between the teams this season, but the Pigeons could hold a mental edge after winning last year’s preliminary final by a point at the Albury Sportsground.
Brendan Fevola booted six, while Craig Ednie was also outstanding for the Pigeons that day.
Yarrawonga has won both of its knockout finals this season, and co-coach Drew Barnes agreed that the experience of winning big finals could be an advantage.
“It is a new year, but from what I’ve seen over the last few weeks, it’s put us in good stead,” he said.
“Over the last month we have been concentrating on ourselves and making sure we can prepare as well as we can.”
Hargreaves could play on Adam Prior, or even Justin Koschitzke.
Koschitzke has caused Yarrawonga problems in their recent meetings.
He kicked six against the Pigeons in round 11 and four in round two, while the former St Kilda star booted three in last year’s preliminary final.
Koschitzke kicked four against the Tigers last week, but the Albury midfield dominated the second half to book a spot in the club’s seventh straight grand final.
The Panthers are desperate to get another crack at the Tigers and prove their premiership credentials.
“We want to play a brand of footy that we know stands up in finals,” Saker said.
“Our pressure and other basic elements last week were poor.
“We want to get back to playing our style.”
