Tigers fang for a triumph

Rochester’s tough draw to start the Goulburn Valley League season continues tomorrow with Kyabram travelling to Moon Oval for an Easter Saturday blockbuster.The Tigers fell to Echuca and Euroa in the first fortnight of their campaign, and coach James Flaherty knows the task of finding win number one for the year does not get any easier this weekend.‘‘It was obviously disappointing we didn’t get over the line last week, but hopefully we can come with the same sort of attitude and just tidy up a few things,’’ Flaherty said.‘‘We know what Ky brings and we know we’re going to have to be at our best to get somewhere near them, so it will just be about us trying to implement what we want to do.’’Big man Daniel Russell has impressed Flaherty this campaign, as has Doug Wren in his second season at Tigerland.‘‘Dan is a new recruit and has been playing a bit of a ruck-forward role for us,’’ Flaherty said.‘‘Doug has continued his great form, he’s been probably our best on the first two weeks.‘‘He’s a ripping young man, pretty strong willed, and is a real head over the ball type of midfielder who works really hard.‘‘He’s snuck forward and kicked a couple of goals both weeks and has added that to his game too which is great.’’In a familiar tale for the Tigers injury has hit hard once more, but Flaherty hopes two stars will take to the field tomorrow to boost his list.‘‘We finished with 17 fit blokes on the weekend,’’ Flaherty said.‘‘Hopefully Nathan Marrone and maybe Matt Kellett will play, but we will probably lose four from last week.’’Kyabram made a big statement in its win against Shepparton at Deakin Reserve in round two and will look to roll that momentum on to tomorrow’s contest.The likes of Mick Mattingly, Sam Sheldon and Axel Childs missed the game against the Bears, while Billy Burstin and Reid Crowe should also be close to selection.