Yackandandah enjoying best start to a season in recent history

In fact, he thrives on it.

Faced with the prospect of playing Barnawartha recently, McIntosh asked coach Darren Holmes if he could hand him one of the toughest tasks in the league and play on Tiger star Josh Spence.

Despite playing predominantly in the centre this season, Holmes granted McIntosh his wish.

McIntosh repaid the faith shown by Holmes and kept Spence to one goal as the Roos handed the Tigers a 75-point mauling.

The victory was the Roos' biggest statement since they last played finals in 2010 and announced their arrival as a legitimate finals contender.

"Spence is a bit of a fitness freak and I love running as well so I thought it would be a good challenge," McIntosh said.

"Playing on one of the premier forwards in the competition is good for your development.

"Josh has been there and done that and I learnt a lot playing on him."

IN OTHER NEWS

McIntosh played under-14s at Yackandandah before crossing to Albury to play thirds.

The 22-year-old made his senior debut for the Tigers in 2018 and played 12 senior matches.

He also played two senior matches in 2019 before injury derailed his season.

McIntosh said the chance to play under Holmes was an enticing factor for him to return to his junior club.

"Once I heard 'Homer' (Holmes) was appointed coach, I thought it would be good to play under someone who has got a record like his and played at the highest level," he said.

"I already rate him as one of the best coaches I've had.

"He gets around everyone and there is no difference in his eyes to the best player and the worst player and he treats everyone the same.

"You get to training and you know what he expects of you.

"I can't speak highly enough of him."

The appointment of Holmes has undoubtedly sparked the stunning turnaround in the Roos' fortunes.

After winning seven matches in 2019 they have laid the foundations for their first finals appearance since 2010 with a 6-0 record.

Adding further merit to the performance, Holmes didn't chase high-profile recruits over the off-season and instead tried to lure as many locals back as possible.

"There is a real buzz around the place," McIntosh said.

"It's a good thing and a lot of the locals have come back like Joakim and Johann Jarratt, Jay Hillary and Nick Houston.

"There is 50 plus at training each session which is previously unheard of."

The Roos' biggest loss since 2019 was prolific goalkicker Trent Castles but McIntosh said it was a blessing in disguise.

"Trent is a star but it's been good in regards to we are no longer a one-trick pony going forward," he said.

"We mightn't have the high-profile names.

"But I guess that keeps the opposition guessing because they don't know who to focus on."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: