Yarrawonga veteran Xavier Leslie says the club is buzzing after gun player Mark Whiley's appointment as coach.
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Whiley takes over from Damian Sexton, who announced last month he would step down at the end of this season due to work and travel commitments.
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"Everyone's up and about the fact that Mark's got the job, he's very well respected amongst his peers in the playing group," Leslie said.
"There was a bit of a buzz around the group last night (Thursday)."
Whiley will look to lead from the front when he makes his return after missing three weeks with a hamstring complaint.
The former AFL midfielder hasn't played since falling to Myrtleford on July 6.
However, Yarrawonga's immediate priority is to win at home against North Albury on Saturday.
"We can't take anyone for granted, we've had a really patchy year," Leslie said.
"We've played games against a quality opposition and we've played a half of footy, but a half of footy won't get you a win."
The Pigeons are unlikely to move from seventh place, which will break a run of 13 successive finals campaigns.
The club has just the six wins after being decimated by injury.
Whiley has missed five games with two separate injuries, while Morris medallist Tyler Bonat hasn't played one game due to an Achilles problem.
North has also had its share of injuries.