Both sides just missed finals action in 2022 and both are regarded as genuine contenders to taste the September action.

A lot of pundits think this game on April Fools Day will indeed decide fifth position – a bit early in my opinion but are a good barometer for the importance of the encounter.

Wodonga have added an enormous amount of depth to the club that had its second grade make a prelim final last year – losses are a lot less but a few of them are significant.

Jacob Barber and Jayse Brown are travelling overseas while Alex Smout won’t return from Canberra and Ethan Redcliffe has signed with Mitta.

The gains are very exciting at the kennel with Bailey Griffiths (South Adelaide), Mitch Dineen and Jack Yelland (Southport) and Matt Soroczynski (Narre Warren) as the headline acts.

Can they break the longest finals drought in the history of any club in OMFL that has existed since 2009? That is the big question indeed – we shall know more about 4.30 this Saturday afternoon.

The Doggie’s opponent Lavington has a lot stronger look to a list that at times in 2022 could push the very best in the league – they will improve without a doubt.

Historically second-year coaches in the OM tend to do their best work and if Adam Schneider can weave his magic the Panthers can threaten the top three.
Premiership defender Brant Dickson has retired, while ball magnet Billy Glanvill will try his luck with West Adelaide and Hamish Gilmore has moved across town to Albury.

Recruits to the Panthers include returning players Jono Spina, Liam Ross, Nico Sedgwick, Kai Davies, Cody Mannagh and Macca Hallows when not on VFL duty with Essendon.

Joe Hansen the Corowa Rutherglen skipper will be a huge bonus for the Panthers, while Ewan Mackinlay is coming off a premiership at Holbrook and VFL experience with Essendon from 2022.

Both sides finished the 2022 season strong with Wodonga stringing together four wins – expect a quality game with the Panthers grabbing the points.
Up at the velodrome, the netball action kicks into gear with Lavington starting favourite against last year’s wooden spooners.

The Bulldogs however have added some class to its list and will be one of the league’s big improvers with goal shooter Ruby Martin (Seymour) and mid-court Madi Nation (Melbourne) huge gains.

2022 league best and fairest Lisa French crosses over from the Roos and will relish a chance to play at the top level alongside the likes of Cassie Mathey.

Wodonga’s extra height and speed around the mid-court will be its biggest asset that will get a very early stern test against the versatile Panthers.

Lavington has had two massive losses with brilliant all-round sports star Grace Hay concentrating on her AFL career and goalie Emily Stewart cleared to Wodonga Raiders.

The loss of Stewart will provide an opportunity for one of the most exciting talents in the league Christine Oguche to play a full season in A grade.

The towering goal shooter is also playing in the VNL and will represent Victoria at the national championships in April – genuine talent with a massive future.

The loss of Corowa Rutherglen a perennial finalist in recent years has opened up a finals spot for the likes of Wodonga – destiny is in their own hands.

If you can’t make the games at Lavington you can watch or listen via OMFNL or O&M LIVE Facebook pages live from 12.00.