Border Mail |
LAVINGTON coach James Saker says the Panthers will have to play their best game of the season if they want to beat Albury in Saturday’s top of the table blockbuster.
The Panthers tuned up for the much-anticipated clash at Lavington Oval with an uninspiring 28-point win over North Albury on Saturday.
Their coach says the Panthers needed to play to their full potential if they are to be any chance of upsetting the flag favourite.
“You’d think so,” Saker said.
“Our pressure game will need to be as good as it can be.
“We’re going to have to play our best footy for four quarters to be in the contest.
“It’s as simple as that.
“It’s going to be a great challenge but we give ourselves a shot, absolutely.”
Saker said the Panthers’ winning hopes rested on their ability to execute their famed press.
“We can’t go out there and play one on one and try to win a shootout,” Saker explained.
“We’re just not good enough to do that.
“I think it’s about structuring up correctly and executing.
“If we do that, I think we’re every chance of giving it a real crack.”
In a boost for the Panthers, star forward Justin Koschitzke will be available for selection for the first time since round 10.
He was one of Lavington’s best players the last time the sides met in round 5.
But in yet another injury blow, underrated recruit Will Lenehan will miss the next month with a fractured jaw he sustained playing for Victoria Country last weekend.
Star Panthers Adam Prior and Myles Aalbers also remain sidelined because of injury.
Conversely, the Tigers appear to be at full-strength and charged into this week’s clash with a 63-point thumping of finals-bound Corowa-Rutherglen at John Foord Oval.
Former Carlton and Greater Western Sydney forward Setanta O’hAilpin booted 10 goals in the win.
Top spot and the first week off in finals is all but up for grabs between the competition’s top two sides this week.
Lavington is two points behind the unbeaten Tigers.