MYRTLEFORD co-coach Terry Burgess is considering whether to tag star North Albury duo Chris Schmidt and Shaun Mannagh in Sunday’s season opener at McNamara Reserve.
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With the pair coming fresh from the SANFL and VFL, Burgess said the home team would be paying them respect without going too defensive.
“It’s a matter of summing up what’s happening in the game,” Burgess said.
“Obviously they are two top quality players and we need to limit their ability to particularly hit the scoreboard.
“Hopefully we can pressurise their possessions to have less impact going forward
“At the end of the day they are two players among 18 and we have to make sure more of our guys are winning than theirs.”
Besides North Albury’s hefty loss to Wodonga Raiders in their opening practice match at Sandy Creek, both clubs have had near faultless pre-seasons.
Burgess said opening round success was crucial.
“It’s a big game for both sides,” he said.
“The entire first round is full of big games.
“It’s a bit hard to get a line exactly through our pre-season matches but at least the boys have had a good pre-season, are reasonably fit and there are some new faces in the side.
“We have a bit of a different look and game plan and hopefully that will have everyone enthused about playing round one on Easter Sunday.”
While North Albury has good top-end talent in Schmidt, Mannagh, Isaac Muller and Dan Leslie and Myrtleford boasts A-graders in Christian Burgess, Matt Dussin and Frazer Dale, the lesser-lights are set to be invaluable.
The Hoppers could be hurt by former Carlton player Clem Smith missing out on a senior game due to the points system.
He carries six points.
