Panthers settled while Tigers set to take new look into Ovens and Murray season
Lavington's Luke Garland shares a joke during training this week. Picture: MARK JESSER
DOES Lavington have the hunger to go back-to-back?
While that remains to be seen, the Panthers still have the personnel with Shaun Mannagh, Nick Holman and Brad Carman the only departures from their premiership side.
Losing three premiership players is an achievement in itself in today's footballing landscape.
The Border Mail's BRETT KOHLHAGEN this week takes a look at Lavington and Albury's pre-seasons and what lies ahead.
LAVINGTON
Pre-season so far: The Panthers have quietly gone about their business with minimal changes to their list.
Jack Kirley, Clayton Marsh, Macca Hallows and Liam Ross are premiership players now with officials hoping they will improve with another pre-season under their belts.
The club was also ecstatic to have six youngsters - Ben Ashley-Cooper, Logan Berryman, Nick Brennan, Hallows, Marsh and Charlie Sanson - make the final Murray Bushrangers squad.
There are big raps on Ashley-Cooper.
Who's running hot: While Nico Sedgwick's pre-season has been well documented, another recruit is also training the house down.
Collingullie-Glenfield Park signing Nick Perryman hasn't missed a beat with the strong utility rarely absent from a training session.
He could be a replacement for Carman in defence but also has the ability to spend time in the middle.
The burning question: How much will Did Simpson medallist Shaun Mannagh be missed? Enormously. The Panther turned in one of the great grand final performances with his class in going forward to kick goals making him irreplaceable.
Injured list: Nothing serious
New faces: Nico Sedgwick (Brock-Burrum), Nick Perryman (Collingullie-Glenfield Park), Cody Mannagh (Thurgoona), Jono Male (Henty), Harry Weaven (Jindera), Luke McLellan (Brock-Burrum), Ben Ashley-Cooper (Finley)
Recruiting status: Have worked the country leagues well and are unlikely to find another signing with the season starting in three weeks.
Practice matches: Myrtleford at Myrtleford (March 7), Ainslie (March 21)
Forward Andrew Mackinlay and Henty recruit Jono Male lead the way during a training drill at Lavington this week. Picture: MARK JESSER
ALBURY
Pre-season so far: After an horrendous month off the field, the Tigers gained a huge boost this week with the signing of Jeff Garlett.
The former Melbourne and Carlton player had been on the club's radar for months while playing in the Northern Territory.
While Albury has recruited some promises types from the Riverina league, it is hoping to improve on the back of its home grown talent and a better run with injuries.
Ben Kelly and Jay Hillary are back full-time from the Murray Bushrangers and should be major acquisitions while Riley Bice showed in last weekend's intra-club he's ready to play consistent football.
Lachie Taylor-Nugent struggled with injuries throughout 2019 and is also primed to hit the ground running.
Alex Jones has had off-season knee surgery after going down late last season and should provide extra grunt alongside Jake Gaynor.
Brayden O'Hara and Tom O'Brien are fit and Jake Page looks stronger after spending the summer on the Border.
Who's running hot: Michael Duncan is leading the way in the running. The Ovens and Murray representative has been a solid performer in defence at Tigerland but could push into the midfield on the back of a bigger tank.
The burning question: Are there enough quality 22 to 27-year-old players at the club to keep the Tigers in the premiership window?
Injured list: Jones and Lachie Tiziani have joined the main group following knee problems.
New faces: Jeff Garlett (Melbourne), Blake Bray (returning to football), Jacob and Lucas Conlan and Isaac Campbell (Griffith), Shaun Driscoll (Wagga Tigers), Jai Reed (Narooma).
Recruiting status: With Garlett a massive late coup and carrying plenty of player points, the Tigers are done. Garlett will play for Southern Districts in Saturday's NT preliminary final.
Practice matches: Wagga Tigers (March 7), Shepparton Bears (March 14)