The average winning margin in the 15 games prior to Easter Sunday was an incredible 82 points.

That's why Myrtleford's five-point thriller against Wangaratta Rovers was so important for the league.

As it stands after 17 games, the average is now 76 points.

There's the prospect of a handful of close games in the coming weeks, including Wodonga Raiders-Myrtleford on May 4 and the season's biggest grudge match, Wangaratta Rovers and Raiders, the following week.

Rovers' coach Daryn Cresswell coached Raiders for four years.

ONE FROM FOUR

Corowa-Rutherglen's rising star Will Chandler posted his first senior win with a six-goal haul against North Albury.

Chandler has now kicked 17 goals in four games, spread over three seasons, due to his commitments with under 18 outfit, Murray Bushrangers.

And it was his third best on ground for the Roos.

"He's gifted in the way he reads the game," coach Marc Almond enthused.

"His speed and ability to re-engage in the contest once he's on the ground is just off the charts.

"He's like a cat, (giant North Albury coach) Isaac Muller came back towards him on a lead and crunched him, we all feared for Will, but he just bounced straight up."

STRONG DEBUT

It was nine months in the making, but Lachie Taylor-Nugent made an impact in his first game with premiers Albury.

The former North Albury forward worked his way into the match against Wodonga in the second quarter, finishing with five goals.

"The pre-season doesn't count for much when it comes to the intensity of match day, it's good to get back out, running around and having a kick," he said.

The interleague forward hadn't played since July 21.

He received a hefty five-match ban for striking Wodonga's Daniel Wortmann.

DYNAMIC DUO

Wodonga doesn't possess the midfield star factor of some teams, but it has two genuine forwards.

Jackson Heagney-Steart's effort in kicking five goals against Albury, in a 92-point loss mind you, can't be underestimated, while Tom Johnson nabbed a double and took a string of marks, particularly in the second half.

The pair combined in a handful of the seven goals, including Johnson's superb mark and pass midway through the final term.

If Wodonga is to upset Raiders on Anzac Day, the pair will need to shine.

SAINTS' SUPPORTERS

Myrtleford's last-minute thrilling win over the Hawks should guarantee plenty in the bumper crowd of around 2750 return in the next home game against Corowa-Rutherglen on May 11.

The joint was jumping when the Saints' Mitch Dalbosco goaled late.

"We love our supporter base, they live it through thick and thin," coach Jake Sharp said.

"We've had enough lows for them, they've got to celebrate the highs and to see the clubrooms that full, it's a pretty special feeling."