Wangaratta Rovers pumped to play powerhouse outfit Albury

Last year's winless wooden spooners have won four straight to edge a game clear in fifth spot.

"Last night (Thursday) was the first time I've trained midweek and it was just zipping around, the boys were flying and you could sense the excitement," Melbourne-based VFL player Charlie Thompson said.

Rovers have named their strongest team of the year, missing just Coen Hennessy (injury), while former Gold Coast Sun Max Spencer (Werribee) is unlikely to play any games.

Interestingly, Albury has named three of the players injured in last week's thrilling two-goal loss to Lavington in Chris Hyde (corked thigh), Joel Mackie (hamstring) and Luke Packer (hamstring).

If they take their place, it will be testament to their recovery powers.

Lightly-built forward Riley Bice (AC joint) and gun on-baller Jake Gaynor (shoulder) weren't selected due to injury.

Austin Shepherd will make his debut.

Depending on Albury's final line-up, it could be the ideal time to play the Tigers, although their gutsy final term fightback against Lavington highlighted their desire for the contest.

Rovers have recalled six players, with boom youngster Nick Murray and O and M defender Nathan Cooper joining Thompson, who will play his third game away from Richmond duties.

"For me, it's just a great opportunity to play midfield minutes," Thompson said of his Hawks' stint.

"I play a lot of forward time at Richmond, that's my avenue into the side.

"I actually really look forward to coming up and playing."

Thompson has split his previous two visits, falling in a thriller to Myrtleford and edging out Wangaratta in another single-figure game.

It's hard to believe around half the team was playing last season.

"It really speaks of the development of some of the young boys, the Will Nolans, Dylan Stones, Jack Gerrishs, Ed Daymans, they have come so far this year," Thompson said.

"Even our improvement from round one when we played Albury, it's a credit to the players.

"Tomorrow (Saturday) will be an unbelievable test of where we're at against a powerhouse of the competition for a decade."

Despite the injuries, Albury will start favourites, but if the Hawks can spring yet another upset, and Raiders fall to Wangaratta as expected, last year's bottom team will have a two-game break in the top five.