Border Mail |
THURGOONA, Wodonga Saints and the match of the round.
It’s a mix that hasn’t been seen in Tallangatta and District League ranks since the Saints changed their name in 2001 and moved from Bethanga to Wodonga to bolster their support base.Wodonga Saints were up and about in 2005 when Ross Hedley took them all the way to the grand final.
The Bulldogs have been thereabouts for the past few years, but the planets have never aligned.
Until Saturday, that is.
Terry Burgess said his team had a long way to go before it could be mentioned in the same breath as Thurgoona, but it was just excited to be slowly winning back the respect of the competition.
Burgess isn’t playing mind games when he says the Bulldogs deserve to start favourites at Thurgoona, with the club celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend.
“We want to get into these sort of situations as much as we can,” Burgess said.
“It’s about learning about what it takes to compete at the level.
“You can’t buy the experience we will take out of Saturday.
“For every big game we get into now, it’s worth heaps to the young group.
“Thurgoona has planned a big weekend around this game and they will be wanting to get a win to celebrate the day and their history.
“It’s a big challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.”
Thurgoona has twice as many wins this season as Wodonga Saints, although Burgess’ charges were unlucky to lose to Wahgunyah and Yackandandah by less than a straight kick.
The Bulldogs will be close to full strength after playing only one match in the last month, with injured ruckman Adam Way the obvious exception.
Luke Donnan shapes as the man the Saints must stop with the big forward kicking 36 goals in eight matches, while Thomas Stead (17) and Todd Miller (26) are other dangers.
For the first time in a decade, the Victorians also have options.
Ryan Jenkins is back from Upper Murray league club Border-Walwa and providing a target with Drew Cameron and Matt Jaensch also formidable.
Many ex-Thurgoona players and supporters will return to the club for the clash, with a function on Saturday night.
