Wangaratta will be banking on its VFL guns providing momentum in Saturday night’s crackerjack clash against Lavington.
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Werribee kick-started the VFL season in the league’s only fixture last weekend, allowing Josh Porter and Jade Cleeland to play in the O and M’s round two.
“We haven’t gone that great down there in the last couple of years, in the night games anyway, so I think it’s going to be awesome,” Lavington’s Tom Hargreave said.
The Pies fell to Wodonga Raiders by 20 points, while Lavington smashed Wodonga by 84 points.
“There’s a good vibe around the club,” Hargreave said.
“That’s nothing against ‘Sakes’ (former coach James Saker), he’s one of my great mates and he was an awesome coach, but (new coach) Simon’s (Curtis) brought a new life to the club.
“It’s fun obviously playing that little bit more attacking style of footy.”
However, Hargreave was quick to say the players hadn’t grown tired of the defensive mindset at the club in recent years.
“Not at all, we thrived off that, we played our best footy when we were pressing,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say that at all, it’s just something new I guess.
“Obviously we’ll keep that defensive mindset in our game, but we’re a bit more attacking this year, which is good.”
The Panthers’ hopes have struck a major blow though with one of their stars Brant Dickson ruled out with a hamstring complaint.
The club says it’s only precautionary, but it continues a frustrating run for the classy big man.
Arguably the Panthers’ best player, and certainly the most versatile, Dickson had played just 22 games over the previous two years, including only nine last season.
He starred against Wodonga in the opening round, kicking five goals and playing a role in a number of others.
“I think there’s more enjoyment around the club, training’s been enjoyable,” Hargreave said.
“We do the hard work and we do it all together.”
Dickson’s loss has been offset though by the return of reliable defender Jack Harland.
But it will be a tough battle against the Pies, who look far stronger than last week.
Along with the VFL duo, classy Joe Richards will also return from illness.
The home town’s high-profile signings, ex-SANFL stars Mat Suckling and Craig Evans, should be better for the run and it will take a mighty effort from the visitors to stop the premiers bouncing back.
Lavington’s three key signings, including veteran Matt Pendergast, have all been named.
