Border Mail | THE Hume league will be out to make amends for last season’s dramatic defeat when it takes on Riverina at Wagga on Saturday.
After leading by 37 points at three-quarter-time, the Ovens and King banged on 8.4 to 1.3 to stun Josh Walker’s side.
“This year we will be out to atone for that and make sure we don’t take performance, effort and outcome for granted,” Walker said.
“We know we will be up against strong opposition so it’s important we really show some real will and want throughout the game and put in a four-quarter effort.”
While the Riverina league will start favourites after thrashing Tallangatta last year, Walker has faith in his team despite several late withdrawals.
Jesse Johnston, Jamie Parr, Brian Lieschke, Luke Kuschert and Ash Murray are set for key position roles.
In a major boost, Azzi medallist Peter Hancock has also made himself available.
“It’s been a series of natural attrition with the list via genuine reasons such as injury and hence why we released an initial squad of 55,” he said.
“It has been quite disappointing though with the attitude of some who haven’t given the respect that an honour such as this in representing your league deserves and have simply decided not to play.
“Although there is disappointment, I’m actually really appreciative and proud of the boys that have put their hands up.
“I’m still extremely confident in the list we have put together as all the guys were in the initial squad so we have had confidence in them from the very start.
“We have a great balance of experience including club coaches and leaders as well us some of the league’s most exciting young talent.”
The Riverina league has also had its selection headaches with Ganmain’s Jacob Olsson and James Lawton among several big names to drop out.
The match starts at 1.45pm with under-14 and 18 curtain-raisers to be played.