Albury-Wodonga Spitfires confident of strong showing as Victorians come back into fold

Despite falling to their opponent twice in a double-header earlier in the season, the Spitfires have impressed under trying circumstances in the past two rounds with narrow defeats against flag contenders Goulburn (4-2) and United (3-2), with only NSW-based players due to Victoria's lockdown.

Jeremy Payne, Tim Jones, Tim Smith and Seth Albon are among the key inclusions for the Spitfires as they chase a second win of the campaign and look to thwart St Pats' finals chances.

"It's a fantastic effort to have players (outside usual selection numbers) coming on board from NSW and allowing the team to still have games the last two weekends," coach Shayne Newell, who also couldn't lead the side for two weeks due to his Victorian residency, said.

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"Good training during the week with an increase in numbers (seeing numbers from NSW continuing to train) is a positive and created a little competitive edge to selections for the weekend."

Ben Allen and Josh Pritchard have been ruled out with injury.

The clash starts at 2pm.

Meanwhile, all Hockey Albury-Wodonga grades return across the weekend from a two-round lockdown hiatus.

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