Wodonga Raiders are set to hit the season running with their two best players in super form in the Northern Territory.
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Morris medallist Brodie Filo and utility Daniel Bowles will play for Nightcliff in Saturday night's NTFL grand final against Southern Districts at Darwin's TIO Stadium.
"'Bowlesy' is playing some of the best footy I've seem him play off half-back," Tigers' coach Chris Baksh said.
"Brodie's a really big part of us, he's playing good team footy through the midfield, getting his clearances around stoppages.
"They're both in really good form."
The Top End decider will also feature fellow O and M players Jess Koopman of Yarrawonga and Corowa-Rutherglen on-ball recruit Tim Brook.
'Bowlesy' is playing some of the best footy I've seen him (and) Brodie's ... getting his clearances.
- Chris Baksh
Former Wangaratta player Ed Barlow and Henty's Jared Brennan will also play for the Crocs.
"'Bowlesy' has been a big key the last few weeks," Baksh said.
"We've got a good mix in our back six, they've played together most of the season which is pretty rare up here with the fly-ins (travelling players)."
The form of Filo and Bowles will delight Raiders' coach Jarrod Hodgkin.
The preliminary finalists have lost a stack of stars over summer, including siblings Jydon and Matt Neagle to SANFL outfit Central District, so the duo will take on even greater responsibility.
And Raiders face a brutal test in their season-opener, tackling flag favourites Wangaratta under lights on April 6.
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