Border Mail |
CENTRAL District ruckman Josh Wilson is on North Albury’s recruiting radar.
While Jason Akermanis was tight-lipped after Saturday’s 70-point mauling of Wodonga, the Hoppers coach was confident Ben Ryan would have a partner in crime for this weekend’s showdown against Wangaratta Rovers.
Wilson has previously played with Goulburn Valley club Shepparton Swans and Murray league outfit Congupna.
In a move similar to West Australian beanpole Josh Branchi’s two-week “trial” last month, Akermanis said the potential SANFL recruit would play at least one match for the Hoppers.
“He will certainly get here next week, absolutely for one game,” Akermanis said.
“We should confirm that on Monday.
“I don’t want to mention any names because he’s got to talk to his club on Monday.
“After Monday, hopefully we will have some good news for everyone.
“It’s at least one game, a bit like Josh, we just want to see how it all fits for everybody.”
Akermanis said Branchi wanted to return for the Hoppers after playing in their Anzac Day loss to Albury.
“Branchi is going to stay. He’s just got a work issue at the moment," Akermanis said.
“He’s a roof carpenter apprentice and as soon as we find him work he will be straight back over here."
Meanwhile, Akermanis said former St Kilda star Jason Gram was no certainty to return for North Albury against the Hawks on Sunday.
Gram has been plagued by hamstring problems this season and didn’t travel to Bunton Park as the Hoppers ran riot against the Bulldogs.
“We’re not sure where Grammy’s at,” Akermanis said.
“We haven’t seen the best from Grammy. He’s only been able to play halves and he’s got a lot of work to do and he knows that.
“We’ve got to get him up here full-time and that will happen in the next two weeks and then I think we will see him start to improve.
“The back half of the year will be better but he knows it’s been a disappointing start.
“I’ve been through this with him, you become the victim of our expectations, his expectations and his ability to be able to do that.”
Akermanis said Kade Brown was set to return from a knee injury via the reserves this weekend.
