From the Border Mail
THE debut of boom Yarrawonga recruit Brad Ottens is still at least a month away. At this stage, the former Geelong star is poised to play his first game for the Pigeons against fierce rival Albury in round 9.
Yarrawonga co-coach Chris Kennedy said that Ottens was likely to be used as a drawcard for the Queen’s Birthday clash in June.
“We’re banking on having him later on in the year,” Kennedy said after the Pigeons’ 55-point win against Wangaratta yesterday.
“Ideally, it would be when we play Albury at home. You know, a big blockbuster game with a crowd.”
Kennedy didn’t rule out an earlier appearance but said he didn’t see the point in rushing the three-time premiership star into the side.
Ottens’ coaching commitments with Geelong will largely dictate when he’s available to play for the Pigeons.
“We might see him earlier, who knows, but he’s got commitments,” Kennedy said.
“There’s no real point in having him play one game and then not seeing him again for five or six weeks.
“I think that would suit him, too.
“The boys are excited about playing with him.”
Meanwhile, the Yarrawonga mentor said the club was eagerly awaiting Sunday’s second round blockbuster against off-season bolter North Albury at North Albury’s Bunton Park.
Brendan Fevola, who sat in the coaches box yesterday due to suspension, is still no certainty to play this week due to a lingering knee complaint.
Key midfielder Tyler Bonat will definitely miss this week with knee soreness.
“I think Fev’s a fairly big chance,” Kennedy said.
“If he’s right to play, he’ll play.
“Hopefully he comes up.
“We’re looking forward to it.
“There’s a lot of hype about North Albury and we’re looking forward to playing in front of another big crowd.
“These boys are used to it.”
