From the Border Mail
LUKE Daly will captain Albury this year. In a shock appointment, Daly, one of the competition’s most improved players, joins Charles Gaylard and Luke Packer in a leadership role at Albury Sportsground.
Daly, 25, admitted yesterday he was stunned to be given the news on Monday night.
“I didn’t see it coming, at all,” Daly said.
“It’s a pretty big honour and privilege.”
Albury, which takes on Lavington in tomorrow night’s season-opener, now has three captains.
The Tigers last night named a near full-strength side to tackle the Panthers in the clash under lights.
Former St Kilda utility Dean Polo was named on a half-back flank.
Matt Shir will also make his debut for the Tigers.
Josh Dicketts, who missed last year’s grand final with a broken foot, is poised to make his return.
But not in the ruck, with boom All-Australian signing Luke Wells named in that position.
The Panthers also named a strong team for the Good Friday clash.
But late recruit Adam Flagg was a notable absentee from the extended team.
The former Greater Western Sydney youngster wasn’t named in either the senior or reserves squads for the Panthers.
Daly said the Tigers were keen to get back into it.
“It’ll be good to get back into the swing of it — hopefully we can have a win,” he said.
The small forward said he would try to lead by example this season.
But he won’t change his style, not one bit.
“It’ll be the exact same old (style) every week,” Daly said.
“I’ll just keep trying to train hard and play well.”
Albury co-coach Daniel Maher said that Daly had been rewarded for his effort.
Luke does everything he can, on and off the field, to play at his best each week,” Maher said.
“We don’t expect anything different from him now he’s a captain.”
Maher, who will play his first official game since suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Panthers in May last year, said the Tigers were looking forward to opening the season under lights.
“There’s a real buzz about the place,” he said.
“I’m sure that’s the same for every club.
“You always look forward to getting back into it.”
Tomorrow night’s clash starts at 7pm.
Gates open at midday.
