The Bulldogs have recruited more midfielders than you would expect to feature in the top 10 of the Brownlow Medal count, while the Bombers have beefed up in all areas with mostly returning favourites.
But the most exciting of all battles at Kyabram Recreation Reserve will be that of the ruck duel.
Hulking figure Jake Reeves is back on deck for the Bombers, while Brandyn Grenfell — sans deputy Aubrey Coote due to injury — will shoulder most of the ruck load for the Bulldogs.
The two big men are sure to provide a show worth more than the price of entry to supporters of both outfits.
Tatura coach Jamason Daniels is also excited by the impending club debut of recruits Nick Fothergill, Jason Tutt, Jordan O’Dwyer and Braydon Sutton — while Box Hill-listed Matt Shannon is available to take on Kyabram as well.
‘‘It’s a huge task,’’ Daniels said of facing Kyabram at Kyabram in round one.
‘‘I’m sure they will come out really wanting that win first-up.
‘‘It’s been a big off-season for us and it’s great to have all of these new guys on board — they’re really excited to pull the jumper on — but with a few new faces you never quite know how they’re going to jell together.
‘‘Hopefully we’ll all work together well on the day.’’
Fitting all of his fresh faces into an already-stacked midfield has been a tough task for Daniels and his selection committee — but they will all find their way to a centre bounce eventually.
‘‘That was probably the biggest selection headache, the question of who we start in the middle,’’ Daniels said.
‘‘There’s probably eight to 10 genuine starting mids in their own right, but we’re equally as happy to have those guys play in other spots and work through the middle (during the game).’’
After the departure of former captain Tom Miller during summer, the Bulldogs have announced Mitch Elliott and Brad Ryan as co-captains for this year, while Andrew Ciavarella (vice-captain) and Tutt (deputy vice-captain) make up the rest of the club’s senior leadership group.
Former Bombers captain Josh Vick will make his playing comeback tomorrow alongside Reeves, while the likes of Billy Burstin, Reid Crowe and Jack Sheldon will all have delayed starts to the year.
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