Albury co-coach Shaun Daly says the club has no qualms allowing two star players to make their NEAFL debuts on Saturday, just two weeks out from finals.
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Pacy duo Elliott Powell and Michael Duncan will play for Greater Western Sydney’s reserves in the curtain-raiser to the Giants-Swans clash.
“I reckon it’s a good opportunity for them to showcase their skills up there,” Daly said.
“Those two hadn’t done it before, so they were really keen.”
The undefeated Tigers play away to winless Wangaratta Rovers today.
Both Powell, 24, and 22-year-old Duncan have represented the O and M in recent years after coming from Tallangatta and District.
“It’s exciting, I just want to test myself at that higher level,” Duncan said.
The Tigers’ decision takes on greater significance, given the club suffered a host of late-season injuries last year which damaged their premiership hopes.
“We thought they’re going to play with us or them, if they’re going to get injured, it doesn’t matter where you are playing or who you are playing against,” Daly said.
“It’s in the lap of the gods.
“I think we’re a pretty big club in trying to push players to play the best footy they can.
“I guess if you look over the years, we’ve had a heap of players who have gone to the VFL or SANFL.”
If they’re going to get injured, it doesn’t matter where you are playing or who you are playing against.
- Shaun Daly
The Giants, who are coached by Osborne product Adam Schneider, were also hoping boom Tigers’ midfielder Jake Gaynor would play, but he elected not to after playing NEAFL last year.
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