FORMER Ovens and Murray players Jack Nunn, Alex Paech and Ben Fulford will line-up for Canberra Demons against Albury at Wodonga Senior Secondary College on Saturday.
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Nunn has impressed the NEAFL club with his hardness since joining the Demons from Lavington while Paech is being groomed as a key defender.
Fulford, who along with Peach was recruited from North Albury, played as a small forward-midfielder last season.
“We’ll be bringing 28 players and there are a few former Ovens and Murray and Murray Bushrangers in there,” coach Kade Klemke said.
”Alex is going well.
“He locks down a key back spot for us with his athleticism and ‘Nunny’ obviously gives you a great contest.
“Ben Fulford has been here for a while now and he’ll be coming to Albury to play as well.”
Klemke will be among a handful of key Canberra players to sit out the practice match including former Murray Bushranger Nathan Oates.
Canberra comfortably defeated Albury in Canberra last year before finishing the season proper with a 7-11 win-loss ratio.
“Canberra and Eastlake have played Albury for a fair while now and you always get a good game,” he said.
“I’d say our depth is better than last year. We’re still very young but hopefully we can break into the finals.”
Canberra Demons play Lavington next weekend.
Albury is coming off an horrendous week on the injury front with full-forward Erish Uthayakumar suffering a dislocated left ankle at a league promo shoot.
The injury will force the Tigers to tweak their forward-line with recruits Dean Heta and Charles Gaylard poised to play major roles.
Star North Albury co-coach Chris Schmidt will have his first hit-out for the Hoppers against Tatura at Tatura.
The Hoppers came up short in expectations last weekend but are expected to field a stronger line-up on this occasion.
Wodonga can expect a tough test against Tallangatta and District league powerhouse Thurgoona at Thurgoona.
The Bulldogs are light on experience while Thurgoona have a host of former O and M players in its ranks.
Saturday’s draw:
Albury v Canberra Demons at Wodonga Senior Secondary College at 2pm; Lavington v Ainslie in Canberra, Myrtleford v Benalla at Myrtleford at 10.30am; North Albury v Tatura at Tatura; Thurgoona v Wodonga at Thurgoona at 9.30am; Wodonga Raiders v Wangaratta Rovers at Barnawartha at 1pm, Yarrawonga v Therry Penola at Yarrawonga at 2pm.