John Pratt signing as co-coach coincides with CDHBU turnaround

Living in South Australia at the time, Pratt relocated to Wodonga at the start of the year for employment.

CDHBU football manager Paul Rippingale heard a whisper late last year that Pratt could be on the move.

The persuasive Rippingale could sense an opportunity and after several phone calls signed Pratt as co-coach alongside Mick Collins.

Pratt couldn't be happier.

"I was umming and ahhing about playing," Pratt said.

"I knew Paul Rippingale previously who I have a good relationship with.

"He had tried to lure me a few times to CDHBU but my circumstances were a bit different at the time.

"One of my best mates Matt Robinson used to play at the club but then he decided not to play this year.

"But I'm over the moon to be co-coach and happy with my decision."

IN OTHER NEWS

Pratt is no stranger to the Border after previous stints at Wangaratta Rovers and Wodonga.

The classy midfielder also played in the SANFL for Norwood and West Adelaide before joining Wangaratta Rovers in 2012.

Pratt said there were plenty of familiar faces running around in the Hume league.

"It's a good league with plenty of talented players that I have played with and against previously," he said.

"Blokes like Matt Seiter this weekend, I played with Sam Livingstone who is a good mate of mine, Damian Cupido in West Adelaide and against Mick Collins when he was at Corowa-Rutherglen."

CDHBU have emerged as one of the most improved sides in the competition to sit fourth with a 6-2 record.

They face a season defining month against Brock-Burrum followed by matches against Holbrook, Billabong Crows and Lockhart.

Pratt said the Power had the talent to match most sides in the competition.

"There is a lot of talent on the list and Mick has done a great job coaching the last couple of years," he said.

"The club hasn't had as many wins as it would have liked the past few seasons but there is a bit of belief amongst the group.

"The group is starting to get a bit older and more mature but there are still a lot of kids.

"Adding Josh Holding and myself even though I'm a dinosaur has added a bit more experience and intensity at training.

"Things can turn around quickly."

The Power proved no match for raging flag favourite Osborne last weekend after copping a 105-point caning.

Pratt rated the Tigers highly and a deserved raging flag favourite.

"I've played a lot of football and Osborne one of the best sides I have played against," he said.

"They are really well-drilled and obviously coach Joel Mackie is doing a fantastic job.

"But I said to the boys after the match that football is a funny game.

"They're human, we're human and to borrow a Leigh Matthews analogy if it bleeds we can kill it."

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