Tallangatta coach Tyson Smith rates the Hoppers' next three weeks as season defining

The Hoppers were handed a tough start to the opening month where they played the top-three from last season in Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Thurgoona and Barnawartha.

Smith said to emerge 2-2 and sit outside the top-five on percentage was a promising start to the season.

"We are pretty happy with our start and have played the top-three from last year," Smith said.

"We have also played Yackandandah who have improved.

"We have had three away games as well.

"When we looked at the draw we were hoping to be 2-2, so to get it is pleasing.

"But is is the next three weeks that could potentially make or break our season.

"Two of those are home matches but I would like to think we could win all three."

Tallangatta finished fifth last year.

But after the departure of coach Sam Livingstone, Tom Johnson and Bob Russell most pundits were predicting a slide down the ladder.

Smith was not one of them.

"We have a very united and driven playing group who are enjoying proving the doubters wrong," he said.

"I know externally people thought we would slide down the ladder.

"But internally we have high expectations this year and thought we under-achieved last season.

"We obviously lost some talent but Mitch Seaton didn't play last year, Kaine Parsons missed a large chunk of the season and our thirds won the flag.

"People are quick to forget that."

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He is not expected to make a return until after the inter-league bye on May 18.

Smith said the form of some of the kids who had emerged through the junior ranks had been promising.

"Bailey McKimmie, Sam Cannon, Jake Maddock were exposed to senior football last season," he said.

"They have benefited from the experience and have been terrific for us.

"Hamish O'Brien has come up from the thirds last year and has also been performing at a high level.

"As a coach it is really exciting to see the young kids come through and do so well.

"I feel we have got a great junior program and to help those kids develop is something I'm really enjoying."

Rutherglen also boast a 2-2 record with its best victory against Chiltern.

Smith said he alongside Seaton would return on Saturday after missing last weeks clash against Thurgoona.