THE return of star rover Jamie Allan from VFL club Box Hill has boosted Wangaratta Rovers chances of beating arch-rival Wangaratta in their blockbuster Ovens and Murray League clash tomorrow. Article first appeared: 21 July 2007 Herald Sun
Allan, a former Wangaratta Rovers best-and-fairest winner and O & M inter-league representative, joined Box Hill this season but has recently battled injury.
After missing a month with a thigh injury, Allan returned to play for his old club last round before efforts were stepped up to secure him on a permanent basis for the rest of the season, including finals.
Wangaratta Rovers and Wangaratta are poised to both play finals for the first time since 1993 and Allan had to be delisted by Box Hill before he could rejoin the Rovers.
"We will get him to sign a contract for next year but clear him this year," Box Hill general manager Andrew Pirchan said.
"Our concern is (that) we let him go, he stars, which we know he is capable of, and all of a sudden South Adelaide, East Fremantle and all these clubs are offering big bucks which we can't compete with and we lose him.
"(Hawthorn coach) Alastair Clarkson is a massive wrap for him and he just hasn't had a chance to show us anything this year because he's been injured."
Box Hill is the VFL affiliate of Hawthorn.
Wangaratta Rovers have risen to fourth on the ladder on the back of seven successive wins after starting the season with six losses on the trot.
The 0-6 start to 2007 was the club's worst start to a season since joining the league in 1950.
Wangaratta Rovers have won 15 premierships in the league, but are in the middle of their longest flag drought; having not won a flag since 1994 and not playing finals since 2003.
Wangaratta has surged up the ladder, after finishing ninth last year, to crack top spot last round following its 115-point thumping of Myrtleford.
The club has not won a flag for 31 years, but is getting great service from former Carlton midfielder Jon McCormick, Daine and Judd Porter, Tatura recruit Paul Kirby and former Northern Bullants onballer Ed Clarke.
Jason Lappin replaced Jon Henry as coach of Wangaratta this season and the Rovers are coached by John McNamara.