Lavington first-year coach Simon Curtis has dropped his biggest bombshell by dumping multiple Doug Strang medallist Adam Prior for Saturday’s away clash to Wodonga Raiders.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s unknown if the move is a selection ploy to ‘trick’ Raiders, but if Curtis proceeds with the selected team, Prior will be one of the higher-profile players dropped to reserves in years.
The 31-year-old has played nine games this season, kicking 26 goals at a fair average of 2.89.
He boasts two hauls of six goals – against Corowa-Rutherglen in round four and Yarrawonga on June 2 – but has been named in the best only once.
The powerhouse Prior has been one of the league’s best forwards since debuting as a precocious teenager with North Albury.
Prior was also pick number 59 by the Sydney Swans in the 2005 rookie draft.
Lavington’s season has really been in a holding pattern since that thrilling three-point loss to Yarrawonga.
The loss virtually consigned the Panthers to the elimination final, although they’ll still need to beat North Albury on August 4 to confirm a finals’ berth.
Lavington has won its last three games, against teams outside the top five.
Stephen Leitch will make his debut, while defender Jack Kirley returns to the side.
Raiders, meantime, will probably seal a top three finish with a win.
A loss though would open the door for fourth-placed Yarrawonga to potentially steal the double chance against Raiders next month.
Raiders have recalled interleague representative Brad St John, as well as Daniel Bond, Jordan Rouse and Aaron Spargo.
Jake Bradshaw moves back to the Murray Bushrangers, while the pacy Dillon Blaszczyk is out with an ankle injury.
Raiders have racked up 129 and 98-point hidings over non-finalists Corowa-Rutherglen and Wodonga respectively.