The Spitfires started their season with an impressive 5-1 win on the road against Tuggeranong without a number of regular starting players, but face an even tougher task against a red-hot Wests outfit at Albury Hockey Centre today.

Wests have netted 15 goals in the opening two rounds, dismantling ANU 11-0, before a 4-2 win against one of the competition favourites in Central last week.

Spitfires’ co-coach Jeremy Payne headlines the inclusions for the Border squad, who will also introduce Adelaide recruit Tom Browne and experienced striker Josh Pritchard.

Payne admitted it was one of the toughest team selections he’s had to make due to how well the squad has been training. 

“I have been pretty impressed with how the younger blokes have stepped up in the absence of some of the senior players so far,” Payne said.

“A few of the new faces got left off the page this week, but it definitely didn’t come down to how they’re training and playing.

“It’s hard when you’ve got such a strong and large squad.”

Wests have been a bogey side for the Spitfires during their time in the Capital League, particularly given the potent attacking options they possess. 

“They always seem to get over the line against us and they’ve done that with teams this year,” Payne said.

“They knocked off probably the top team (Central) quite convincingly last week, so it will be a big test for us.

“They’ve got quick and skillful strikers up front who know how to put goals away, so we’ll have to make sure our defence and goalkeeping is on point.

“The senior heads in the side know what to expect going into it with Wests, but it will be a really good introduction for the juniors to show them how elite this level is.”

The Spitfires will look for big performances from Charley Wallace and Matt Bardy in defence and build their game from there.

“We will have to flood a bit defensively and play structured hockey out of defence,” Payne said

“Most of our attack will come through counters or winning short corners and scoring that way.

“Larry Simpson and Sam Quick really impressed last week, so hopefully they can continue their good run.”

The action gets under way at 3.30pm.