‘Pies set to tackle in-form Panthers

It will be a finals-like atmosphere at Norm Minns Oval this Saturday when two of the best in the business go head-to-head. Wangaratta Magpies host arguably the most in-form side in the senior football competition in Lavington, with the Pies’ out to end the Panthers hot streak of nine wins from their last 10 matches. For the black and white, this weekend presents both a challenge and an opportunity to let the rest of the competition know they’re not to be taken lightly despite two losses on the trot. “We’ve had a couple of tough weeks against some really good sides,” Magpies senior coach Jason Heatley said. “We’re still really confident in the direction that we’re heading in, there are parts of our game that we just want to keep on improving on. “We’ve got some stuff we’ve been working on post the last two weeks, so we’ll keep on focussing on that and focussing on what we need to do.” With the season rapidly ramping up towards finals, with less than a month left to stake a claim, the Magpies find themselves in a precarious position. They’re still in the top five and hold a one-game buffer on Wodonga, but would want to perform well against their fellow contenders. For Heatley, solid efforts and results on the field would see them solidify their positions in finals. “Winning takes care of that,” he said. “These are the games you want to play in, this excites us no end, and we know the challenge of this block of games and what it presents. “Our focus will be on getting more right for longer.” The Magpies take on Lavington at Norm Minns Oval this Saturday, with the seniors set for a 2pm bounce. Meanwhile, Wangaratta Rovers are off to Corowa’s John Foord Oval to take on the Roos. While Rovers enter the match as the clear favourites, sitting on the favourable end of the first-vs-ninth fixture, it won’t be a walk in the park. Corowa Rutherglen has improved week on week since the start of the season, and have been competitive, even victorious, against some of the best teams going around. A win this weekend would put the Rovers one step closer to a double chance in finals which, given how close the season has been at the top, is more important than ever. Football action in the Ovens and Murray league commences with thirds from 10am, with reserves from 12pm ahead of the senior hit-out at 2pm. OAK FM votes: Round 15 Rovers vs Yarrawonga: 5 N. Cooper (Rov), 4 W. Christie (Rov), 3 E. Dayman (Rov), 2 N. Irvine (Yarra), 1 S. Cattapan (Rov). North Albury vs Wangaratta: 5 J. Weidemann (NA), 4 T. Norton (Wang), 3 J. Pope (NA), 2 M. Bordignon (Wang), 1 J. Penny (NA). Leaderboard: T. Broomhead (NA) 30, J. East (Myt) 29, J. Gaynor (Alb) 28.

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