Border Mail |
NORTH Albury tuned up for a showdown against reigning premier Yarrawonga with a clinical dissection of Myrtleford by 60 points at Bunton Park on Saturday.
The Hoppers did what most expected in disposing of a team out of the finals race, but shored up some confidence for the Pigeons’ re-match on multiple levels.
Star recruit Jason Gram showed enough to suggest he was approaching his best after an injury riddled debut season, full-forward Adam Prior will be better than his first-up showing against the Pigeons and Jarrah Makysmow is a genuine X-factor after booting five goals against the Saints.
Gram set the Hoppers alight in the first quarter when they raced to a 19-point lead inside the first 10 minutes of the game.
The former St Kilda utility booted two goals in the opening quarter as the Hoppers led by 20 points at quarter time.
Prior proved a handful for veteran Saints backman Luke Chapman from the outset.
The Hopper finished with 10-plus marks in the forward 50 metres and only inaccuracy prevented him from booting another bag of goals.
He kicked 4.5 to be the most dominant key forward on the ground.
But, the North Albury forward line has another layer of excitement in recent pick-up, Maksymow.
He produced the highlight of the game in the final quarter when he unleashed his electrifying pace to take three bounces and slot a superb goal.
Kade Brown, who has missed the bulk of the season due to injury, was another factor up forward and booted four goals.
The Hoppers forwards had plenty of service from mid-field tyros, Brandon Ryan and Matt McDonald, and also gained drive from young wingman Jesse Wellington.
Rory Feltwell, Josh Senior and Adam Rowland also had their moments.
Myrtleford lacked the ammunition to match the Hoppers, but had some gallant performers.
Kristan Height was deployed forward and kicked 3.6.
Co-coach Brad Murray won his share of touches in the clinches.
Grant Harris was serviceable on a wing before leaving the ground with a suspected season-ending knee injury.
Sidelined North Albury coach Jason Akermanis confirmed he wouldn’t play against Yarrawonga next round, but was confident of a strong showing.
“A 10-goal win against a team which is on the improve, is a good win,” he said.
“Next week will be a cracking contest.”
Saints co-coach Leigh Corcoran lamented his team’s slow start.
“It put us under pressure and we were chasing tail,” he said.
“We’re playing some good footy and really want another win soon.”
