Border Mail |
PERCEPTION and reality.They’re two different things and for North Albury, Saturday’s showdown with Albury will give us a clearer indication of which is more accurate.
The Hoppers need a scalp.
The signing of Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis as coach has created buzz and excitement at Bunton Park.
It’s what the club needed after collecting the wooden spoon last season.
But while the Hoppers hit rock bottom, it was business as usual at Albury Sportsground, with the Tigers to another grand final appearance, only to fall short.
The Hoppers have been resurgent under Akermanis and with seven wins already, look set to play finals.
Akermanis wants more But from his charges.
Brisbane’s three-time premiership star has been adamant all year the Hoppers would be a lot better in the second half of the season.
It’s time to show it.
The Hoppers are yet to take the scalp that would convince the pundits they can go deep into September.
The Hoppers have been competitive in patches against the elite teams but have found sustaining that level over four quarters a problem.
Undisciplined acts have also been costly, none more so than against Lavington in round 8 when 50-metre penalties resulted in two Panther goals late in the third quarter.
The Hoppers were in the contest that day on a wet and soggy ground and goals were like liquid gold.
It was another example of an opportunity missed.
Akermanis was aggressive on the recruiting front but you get the impression he would have liked a couple more top-line impact players.
Adam Prior’s return to his home club has been a big boost, with the spearhead providing a big target.
He started the year slowly out of the blocks but, with match fitness, he has shown that his best footy is not far off.
Club champion Dan Leslie has been has solid as ever, and provides huge stability.
Matt McDonald’s work on the inside doesn’t go unnoticed and firebrand Kane Godde provides his fair share of contests and aggression.
Recruit Brian Durbidge is constantly stirring the pot while Ben Ryan battles hard in the ruck every week and Kade Brown has produced some good footy and run from the back half.
There are plenty of things to like.
That said, prized recruit Jason Gram has been disappointing and inconsistent with his form.
The Hoppers haven’t got what they expected out of him and his second half of the season needs to be nothing short of outstanding to break even for the season.
The Hoppers need him to bust open some big games and carry the side to a big win.
With Akermanis available, the Hoppers’ top-six clearly are as good as any in the competition.
But there’s no doubt they seem to lack the depth to compete with the elite.
Akermanis has been quick to say he believes his team’s best is good enough.
The confidence from the star coach is pleasing for North Albury fans.
The reality, though, is a different issue.
At 2pm on Saturday, the Hoppers have the a chance to turn confidence into a reality.
Jade Culph played College tennis in America and was a collegiate All American. He coaches at the Margaret Court Tennis Academy in Albury-Wodonga. He is also a four-time premiership player in the Tallangatta and Hume football leagues.
