Border Mail | THE Tallangatta and District league will bank on big forwards and pace to bring down the Ovens and King at W.J. Findlay Oval on Saturday.
Although coach Ryan Richardson will only finalise his line-up after training on Thursday night, he is excited by the list he has at his disposal.
Yackandandah’s Trent Castles and boom Barnawartha full-forward Jordan Wolff look set to hold down the key forward posts with running players Marty Brennan, Nathan Vogel, Josh Quick, Ryan Wallace and Lee Dale to provide the run.
Zach Peake, of Dederang-Mount Beauty, kicked 104 goals playing for Irymple in the Mildura league last season and could add another dimension to the TDFL’s attack.
“It’s a great squad and everyone in it is keen to play,” Richardson said.
“That’s always the most important thing.
“We have a couple of good forwards and some real pace which is always handy.”
Experienced players Darcy Carroll, Trent Turner, Tim Brook and Heath Northey are also firmly in the mix to play.
Tallangatta suffered a hefty loss to the Riverina league at Wagga last season while the Ovens and King fought back from a 37-point deficit at the final change to defeat Hume by a goal at Jindera.
“We’re keen to do well but I’m sure the Ovens and King will be feeling the same way,” Richardson said.
“They have some good names in their squad and obviously play with spirit after coming from behind to mow down Hume last year.
“We will concentrate on our side though and hopefully get the result.”
Coached by Mick Newton, the Ovens and King will be without Glenrowan star Karl Norman.
He hasn’t played since April 16 after breaking a finger.
Newton will rely heavily on in-form players including key forward Jess Cosaitis, midfielders Kaine Herbert, Sam Neave and Jack Stamp and defender Trevor Edwards.
Cosaitis, who plays for Bonnie Doon, leads the league’s goalkicking with 40.