Border Mail |
ALBURY’S tilt at a fourth premiership in five years has gained further momentum, with Matt Shir picked to play his first game since round 1 tomorrow.
The champion midfielder, who has battled heel and calf troubles since the season-opener against Lavington in March, has been named on a wing for the Tigers against Wodonga Raiders at Birallee Park.
The former Adelaide player has shown solid form in the reserves recently and comes in for power forward Andy Carey, who has been rested.
Shir, a premiership player at Wodonga, will add further experience and midfield depth to an already battle-hardened line-up.
Josh Maher still remains sidelined with a broken hand.
Meanwhile, Yarrawonga will be without star tall Brad Ottens for tomorrow’s blockbuster against Lavington.
The Pigeons hoped the three-time premiership player would be available for successive matches after last week’s appearance against Myrtleford but Geelong, where Ottens is a ruck coach, has pulled rein.
The Cats take on St Kilda at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
Defender Matt Dwyer came into the side.
The Panthers also made just the single change, with Luke Brauer coming in for young gun Brydan Hodgson.
Lavington is out to end Yarrawonga’s 28-game winning streak, the second longest in Ovens and Murray history.
In other selection news, Wangaratta has made three changes after last round’s shock loss to Wodonga Raiders.
But none were omissions.
Jeremy Lawford, Matt Hedin and Ben Henwood came in for Murray Bushrangers Jade Cleeland and Dylan Van Berlo, while Josh Owen is unavailable for tomorrow’s clash with Wodonga.
The Bulldogs, who lost Kayne Turner to the TAC Cup, have included James Vogel.
As expected, Corowa-Rutherglen recalled young defender Lachy McLarty for tomorrow’s trip to Myrtleford.
McLarty returns after serving a week’s suspension for striking Brendan Fevola.
