On Saturday Kyabram District League battler Ardmona hosts fellow cellar-dweller Longwood and the build-up surrounding it is reaching fever pitch.
All eyes seem to be fixated on Ardmona with coach Shane Crawford’s tractor beam of influence attracting a raft of star power to the navy and white.
But while the hype surrounding the Bush Cats is clearly palpable, Longwood coach Mick Galvin has words to say on the matter.
“Everyone is excited, but it is just another game for us — we’re more concerned about what Longwood is doing,” Galvin said.
“We know where we’re at and that’s a rebuilding phase, we have a lot of young kids coming up through the ranks.”
Galvin isn’t kidding when referencing the young kids.
Sixteen-year-old Nathan Whitling makes his debut this weekend, lining up alongside fellow 16-year-old Dakota Pellegrino, who has featured in all four senior games for the Redlegs.
Both were praised by Galvin, who noted the blooding of youngsters at Longwood was as important as winning games.
“That’s the direction we’re heading in, giving the younger blokes a run,” he said.
On the opposing front, rumours are swirling about as to what sort of footballing Frankenstein may line up for Ardmona on Saturday.
Ex-Carlton talent Dylan Buckley appears to be locked in as does former Seymour jet Paul Scanlon.
Even an appearance from ex-Gold Coast Suns man Daniel Gorringe has been floated, after a recent appearance at The Deck in Shepparton.
It poses a formidable challenge for Galvin’s crew, but regardless of the result, he can't help but feel buoyed by the leaps taken by his club this year.
“We have 15 locals come watch us train with 25-30 on the park which is a really positive sign,” he said.
“Compare that to 2019 where we probably only had six or seven at the start.
“That’s been the best thing about the 2021 season, the community getting back around Longwood.”
● Back on its home patch, Shepparton East will be looking to convert its 2-2 record into a positive ratio with a win over Nagambie.
The Lakers have only stumbled once, however, and head to Shepparton off the back of an inspired two-goal triumph over Murchison-Toolamba.
Recovering after such a narrow defeat will be easier said than done for the Hoppers.
Murchison-Toolamba will have to fend off a rampant Avenel, which alongside Lancaster, is the only unbeaten outfit in 2021.
Touching on Lancaster’s form, the Wombats chalked up a ridiculous 31-goal victory at Longwood in round four.
Corey Carver’s men will again we the favourites in round five when 11th-placed Rushworth pays a visit.
Running through the remaining fixtures, Girgarre hosts Dookie United, while Violet Town hits the road to take on Merrigum.
Lastly, Tallygaroopna and Stanhope face off with Undera having the bye.
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