Round 15 Preview
The final month – the final countdown – the finals future of many teams are all on the line as the SS&A OMFNL resumes after the Hall of Fame bye.
Just four matches remain before finals with the race for the top spot well and truly set to go to the wire, while the final spot in the five is still up for grabs.
Round 15 is highlighted by what is literally an elimination final when neighbours North Albury and Lavington meet at Bunton Park.
The winner stays in the race to try and remove Wodonga from fifth place, while the loser can plan end-of-season trips and plans for 2024.
The Panthers have been hit hard by injuries with ruckman Tim Hanna and key defender Jono Spina both out, and experienced pair Myles Aalbers and Luke Garland return.
North Albury has been given a huge boost with Vice Captain and interleague representative Julian Hayes making an earlier-than-expected return from a finger injury.
Albury takes on Wangaratta Rovers at the Albury Sportsground in a game that has so much at stake for both sides’ finals fortunes.
Albury is still eyeing off-top position – sitting just one game behind Yarrawonga who still have the bye to come in round 16, both sides share similar percentages.
The Rovers will still hold hopes of grabbing third place ahead of its rivals Wangaratta. They are equal on points but have a far less percentage that could prove pivotal in the final wash-up.
The Tigers look strong with George Horlin-Smith again named. They will be without co-captain Jimmy Grills along with rugged midfielder Alex Jones.
Rovers have included Will Christie, Tom Baulch (aka Prime Train) and Lockie McCartney in one of their strongest teams for the year.
A battered and bruised Wangaratta will be at home to Wodonga Raiders who will be without coach Marc Almond who copped a week’s suspension from the round 14 clash with North Albury.
The Magpies know that a win is absolutely paramount to keep the Rovers from third spot, but with injuries from the Albury game still lingering they will need to be on their toes.
Jackson Clarke and Matt Kelly are long-term injuries that may have finished their seasons, while Ben Reid and Michael Newton are also set to miss.
Top of the ladder Yarrawonga will be without four of its best players when they host second-last Myrtleford at the JC Lowe Oval.
Ruckman Lachie Howe, dashing defender Bailey Fraunfelder, Morris Medallist Leigh Masters and gun midfielder Harry Wheeler will all miss.
Myrtleford generally plays well at the Pigeons home turf and with so many star outs for Yarrawonga, they will be set to lay down a big challenge.
In Netball, one of the games of the season is set up superbly when second-placed Wangaratta take on third-placed Wodonga Raiders.
With mounting pressure from both Myrtleford and Lavington the pressure is on for both teams if they are to retain the double chance in finals.
Myrtleford’s chances of making the top three will get a huge challenge when they take on top side Yarrawonga who will be in a savage mood after being thrashed in round 14 by Lavington.
The Saints have been in great attacking form in the last month with the move of Sophie Hanrahan to the goal ring a fruitful move.
North Albury has shown good improvement in the last few rounds but will not have the strike power to upset the Lavington Panthers.
In the final game, Wangaratta Rovers will give themselves a big chance of knocking over Albury in what should be a very close encounter, despite both sides well out of finals calculations.
