THE first question the media and opposition coaches ask about the Ovens and King league's representative team each year rarely varies.
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Is Karl Norman playing?
Co-coach Jeremy Wilson has heard it before and he's happy to say yes ahead of Saturday's clash against Tallangatta at Sandy Creek.
"Everyone knows who he is and what he's done so if he puts his hand up to play inter-league footy it's only going to benefit the side," Wilson said.
"I think he's a bit misunderstood.
"He loves his footy, Karl.
"He doesn't like the limelight or the fanfare, he just loves playing footy.
"We're really happy to have him back this year."
Norman was keen to play against the Hume league at Howlong last year before suffering a calf injury and missing two months of football.
While the former Wangaratta Rovers star has been selected in the centre, Wilson remains open-minded about where he will play.
"He might go forward or behind the ball but he'll definitely spend time in the middle," he said.
Tallangatta has its own share of star players with key forwards Trent Castles and Jesse Johnston looming as matchwinners if Jayden Kotzur, Cam McNeill and Damien Wilson get on top.
Thurgoona coach Brett Doswell has also put his hand up to play despite missing club football last weekend.
"We think the Tallangatta league will be strong," Wilson said.
"Personally I don't know all of the names, but Jesse and Trent will be pretty good forwards and we'll have to try and cut the supply to them.
"That's easier said than done."
While Tallangatta coach Mark Sarau has left no stone unturned in his preparation, he said a lot comes down to delivering on the day.
"What separates teams is the ability to play team football straight away," Sarau said.
"We saw glimpses of it at training on Thursday night.
"All these players are good enough.
"I'm sure the Ovens and King will be up for the contest though."
Meanwhile, the Tallangatta league's under-18s will play an East versus West curtain-raiser.
Dederang-Mt Beauty, Mitta United, Tallangatta, Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Thurgoona and Wodonga Saints youngsters will play in the East side under Gareth Lawson
The Matt Andison-coached West will be made up of Wahgunyah, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Barnawartha, Yackandandah and Beechworth players.
Officials organised the match after the Ovens and King expressed concern about being able to field a competitive side due to a lack of depth.