Albury-Wodonga Spitfires competitive in loss to Goulburn for double points

Phones were running hot as the Spitfires cobbled together a side at the eleventh hour to face Goulburn for double points after the snap lockdown enforced at midnight Thursday ruled out all Victorian-based personnel.

The Spitfires had eight players ineligible, six of which are regular starters, while coach Shayne Newell was also unable attend as he resides south of the border.

Noah Erdeljac continued his sublime season with a goal, while veteran Ian Beath also found the back of the net in his first game back at the higher level in several years.

Dom Wild stepped in to coach the side in Newell's absence and was pleased with the performance against a strong Goulburn side.

"There was a fair bit of work behind the scenes from a few people to try get a side up, but we got a team together and we were pretty competitive," Wild said.

"We got a goal early on and I think it was 2-1 at that stage, but the fourth quarter we came back and were really strong and won the quarter.

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"In weeks gone by, we've fallen away a lot in the fourth quarter and teams have been getting on top and running over us, but we scored a goal and put a bit of pressure on which was nice."

The experienced Beath and Josh Pritchard were among the players to return, while Nicholas Kilby was best on ground, despite not having trained with the squad.

"Hopefully a few can stay on with us, but it's halfway through the season and you can't really expect them to drop everything and change their plans, " Wild said.

"If we can have the group we had on the weekend, as well as the boys from Victoria when they're allowed back across, it will make for a pretty interesting second half of the year."

Former coach Tony Donnelley was set to equal the Spitfires' games record with his 270^th appearance, but remains one behind Beath who notched his 271^st after his late recall.

"We were all joking to 'Beathy' that he'll have to keep playing so Tony doesn't beat him," Wild laughed.

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