Former Geelong player Michael Luxford to play with North Albury

Michael Luxford played two games for the Cats in 2015 after being signed as a "category B" rookie from a basketball background.

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And it's his basketball commitments with the Melbourne Tigers, who play in the same league (NBL 1) as the Albury Wodonga Bandits, which will dictate how many games he plays.

"I played alongside him with Essendon's VFL team and he's a great mate," coach Isaac Muller said.

"Basketball is his first priority, but once his season finishes there, we might see him for three or four games or maybe one."

The Tigers complete their regular season against Eltham on Sunday, July 21.

There's a four-week playoff series, with the grand final on Saturday, August 17.

The Hoppers have just the one game after that, at home against Wodonga Raiders, on August 24.

The 186cm Luxford represented Australia in basketball at under 18 level before the Cats took a punt on turning him into an AFL player, a la former runner Mark Blicavs.

Given his elite level background, Luxford's professionalism and preparation is exemplary.

"He'll certainly bring something different," Muller said.

"He's a strong, in and under midfielder and an elite runner."

Like any club, North will naturally look to impress Luxford, with an eye to next year.

The Hoppers are coming off their second upset, a spirited 26-point win over Corowa-Rutherglen.

"They came at us pretty hard in the third quarter, but we were able to shake them off," Muller said.

The Hoppers are in eighth spot and while they remain one of three in wooden spoon contention, along with the Roos and Wodonga, they will fancy their chances against the latter on July 20.