Schmidt played three quarters in the midfield and, despite being tagged, was one of the Hoppers’ best.

“He was pretty good,” co-coach Clinton Gilson said.

“Obviously he’s still getting to know everyone which makes things hard.”

North Albury fielded a stronger side than last weekend with Clay Moscher-Thomas, George Godde and Will McGrath performing well.

Recruit Clem Smith kicked two goals and missed several other shots.

He also took a spectacular mark in attack.

“We probably had more available players this week, but I thought we improved on the previous week,” Gilson said.

North Albury play Riverina league club Coolamon at Coolamon on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Lavington edged out Ainslie in a tight clash in Canberra.