Albury has named finals specialist John Mitchell in reserve grade for his first game of the season on Saturday.
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Mitchell often misses a large slab of the season with equestrian commitments, but is one of the league’s most naturally fit players who can return in similar form to his last game.
However, this will be Mitchell’s shortest season in some years.
He played 10 seniors and three reserves games last year after playing seven and three respectively in the two previous years.
Depending on Albury’s run in the finals, Mitchell could play just six games, so he’s leaving in late to force his way into the undefeated Tigers’ side.
The clever forward hasn’t played since last year’s grand final loss to Wangaratta.
He pushed co-coach Shaun Daly as his team’s best, kicking a goal of the match contender from 45m from the boundary line in front of the grandstand.
Meanwhile, Michael Thompson will return to the seniors against Corowa-Rutherglen after missing a month.
The tall defender also missed an extended period earlier in the season.
Charles Gaylard and Alex Rowe have also been recalled.
Luke Packer, who missed last year’s grand final with a hamstring injury, is out with soreness.
Packer missed seven weeks after suffering the injury early in his 250th game against Wodonga Raiders.
However, the Tigers’ stunning start to the season has allowed the club the luxury of sitting players out in the run to finals.
Meanwhile, the Roos have made two changes with exciting youngster Jed Griffin returning.
Wangaratta will take an unchanged lineup into Saturday’s away clash against Wodonga.
Just like their fellow grand finalists, the premiers are in a position to allow star players an extra week, if required, with premiership players Ben Douthie, Matt Kelly and Michael Bordignon all expected back against North Albury after the split round.
The Bulldogs have made two changes.
Daniel Wortmann (eye) will miss after he fractured his left orbit against North Albury, while Rhys Ritchie is also injured.
Wodonga scored a thrilling upset win over North, while the Pies hammered the understrength Roos by 119 points.