Can Wodonga Raiders make finals and do they still have their cross-town rivals covered?

Time will tell whether they have gone ahead or dropped back to the pack since the gut-wrenching defeat but there is plenty of optimism in the camp.

ARRIVALS

Scott Meyer (Beaconsfield), Isaac Muller and Jacob Smith (North Albury), Jydon Neagle (Central District), Dylan Clarke (Northern Blues), Ethan Boxall (Canberra Demons), Steve Jolliffe (Howlong), Mitch Thomas (North Albury), Tim Haines and Joel Merkel (Culcairn), Charlie Hamilton (Wodonga Raiders), Harry Moxey (Mitta United)

DEPARTURES

Zach and Jordan Rouse (Mount Eliza), Brodie A'vard (Barooga), Jaxon Neagle (Central District), Jye Shields and Tim Hallinan (Perth), Will Donaghey and Floyd Bollinghaus (Strathmore-Coburg), Alex Daly (Leeton-Whitton), Jack Haugen (KSC), Johann Jarratt (Yackandandah)

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Q: You joined Wodonga Raiders from North Albury in 2015, I guess you are one of the elder statesmen at Birallee Park these days?

A: I think only Brad St John and myself are close to 100 games for Raiders. I'm nearly 30 and we have a really young list. I was the oldest player until we recruited Scott Meyer.

Q: Can you remember a more even Ovens and Murray season heading into round one?

A: Since I've been playing down here I've never seen it so even before. There won't be any easy games.

Q: Do you think there is a team to beat?

A: It's pretty hard to single one out, but Myrtleford and Wang Magpies will be up there.

Q: Have you found it difficult to stay motivated after 2020 was wiped out?

A: I stayed pretty motivated because there was always a chance we would come back and play. I didn't want to let myself get too far out of nick just in case we did. I went to Adrenaline and did a fair bit of running by myself.

Are the Raiders the hardest team in the O and M to get a line on in the lead-up to round one?

Very close to it. They could have up to 10 new payers in their side from the 2019 finals series following some big departures and signings. Players like Jacob Smith will hold the key. He virtually hasn't played since arriving on the Border from Melbourne and the jury remains out whether he can be a top-liner in the Ovens and Murray. The Raiders have a solid base of juniors but wouldn't want to be hit with the injury stick. The Neagles, St Johns, Clarkes and Flaggs should ensure they are pressing hard for finals action. Young Max Beattie has given himself every chance of playing senior football following a strong pre-season.

Where does Scott Meyer play?

Mainly as a deep forward. While he was a fine performer in the ruck previously at Birallee Park, he's older and coach Jarrod Hodgkin is likely to use him sparingly at the centre bounces. Showed some good form in a recent practice match.

Do the Raiders still have cross-town rival Wodonga's measure?

You would think so. While the Bulldogs' recruiting has been outstanding, you have got to remember they are coming from a long way back. The good thing is both clubs will be competitive again and that means dollars at the gate.

Is Lachie Flagg one of the most underrated defenders in the Ovens and Murray?

While he's not at Birallee Park, the former Northern Jets player probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves outside the league. He's as fit as ever and will continue to be one of the Raiders' most valuable players.

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