WANGARATTA’s finals equation is simple after last weekend’s derby loss, it’s do-or-die.
The Magpies are now two wins away from reaching this year’s grand final and will need to take care of North Albury at WJ Findlay Oval on Sunday to progress.
The Hoppers are on cloud nine after winning their first final since 2015 last weekend in a thriller against Wodonga and broke even with the Magpies after two outings in the home and away season.
Magpies coach Ben Reid is hopeful his side responds.
“The boys are keen to respond and I’m confident they will,” Reid said.
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“We just didn’t bring the effort or physicality that’s needed last weekend and to Rovers credit they did bring it.
“No doubt those things will be a focus for us, our pressure and contest work needs to be good.”
The Magpies are set to welcome superstar Callum Moore back into the side from a hamstring injury, while Mark Anderson and Waitai Tua will also come into the fold.
Jessie Smith is expected to miss with a sore shoulder, Hunter Gottschling has entered concussion protocols and Liam McVeigh will be out after copping a two week suspension.
“’Cal’s (Moore) obviously a big in and no doubt the boys will get a boost with him being back,” Reid said.
“His work will be a byproduct of the work done up the ground though and we need to understand that bringing him in isn’t an instant fix.
“We still need to get to work and bring the pressure that finals requires because the team that wins finals is usually the one that works the hardest.”
Wangaratta will have to be on close watch of Doug Strang Medallist Josh Minogue who booted six majors in last weekend’s elimination final win.
The Hoppers have been known for their hunger in 2024 and Reid expects that on Sunday.
“I said to the boys on Tuesday that North’s strengths are similar to Rovers,” he said.
“Their pressure around the footy and their hunt is as good as anyone’s so we know what to expect but it’ll just be whether we stand up to that challenge.
“’Broomy’ (Tim Broomhead) has them playing some good footy and what I love about them is they never throw the towel in, they’ll have a crack until the end.”
