North Albury landed the upset of the first six rounds by trouncing Wodonga by 61 points.
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The Hoppers, tipped by many to have a winless season after losing a host of their best players over summer, stunned the depleted Bulldogs at their home with a 14.13 (97) to 5.6 (36) caning.
"It's hard to describe the feeling because it's been a such a hard road," emotional coach Isaac Muller said.
"We wanted to create forward half turnovers, so when they did try to exit, we didn't allow it past halfway."
George and Tom Godde were superb, Muller was again inspirational, while recruit Ned McKeown and midfielder Clay Moscher-Thomas were strong.
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