Border Mail | ALBURY turned in its best performance of the Ovens and Murray season to dismantle rivals Wodonga by 58 points at John Flower Oval on Saturday.
Although star duo Dean Polo and Brayden O’Hara led the way, co-coach Daniel Maher said it was the form of the Tigers’ young brigade which provided the spark that had been missing.
“Overall, I would say it’s our best win since last year’s grand final,” Maher said.
“The boys showed a lot of character.
“We had a lot of kids in and they really set the tone for us.
“James Grills, Elliott Powell, Will Haberecht, Mick Duncan, Will Blomeley and Lachie Dight were all good against some tough opposition.
“It was a good day for the footy club.”
With Aisake and Setanta o’hAilpin and Angus Graham missing, Albury turned to Haberecht and Will Smith to share the ruck duties with the Tiger pair holding their own against Sam Maher and Matt Seiter.
Polo virtually did as he pleased roaming the midfield while O’Hara kicked five goals from limited possessions playing mainly in attack.
Wodonga relied too heavily on spearhead Daniel Bradshaw.
He kicked five of the Bulldogs’ eight goals but the home team lacked the midfield penetration to mount a serious challenge after quarter-time.
John Pratt, Sam Livingstone, Mckye Turner, James Vogel and Josh Hicks were solid for the Bulldogs but were often outnumbered at the contest with Albury applying enormous pressure.
The loss of Zach Jones with a shoulder injury didn’t help Wodonga’s chances.
“Our KPI’s for the day were massive,” Maher said.
“We kept it pretty simple and sometimes that’s the best way to do it.”
Albury could regain as many as five players for its tussle with Lavington after the inter-league.
