It’s not quite David and Goliath but the North Ballarat Roosters face a mammoth task if they hope to overcome Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday in the ABC TV game.
The Magpies’ side is bursting at the seams with AFL stars including the likes of Dale Thomas, Clinton Young, Alan Didak and former Western Bulldogs and Brisbane ruckman Ben Hudson.
In defence the Magpies have named Jack Frost, Jordan Russell and Marty Clarke, all of whom appeared in the AFL line-up last week.
Young midfielder Josh Thomas and versatile forward Brent MacAffer have also been penciled in to drop back to the VFL, while excitement-machine Alex Fasolo will make his long awaited return from injury.
The Roosters have named new recruits Steve Clifton (GWS) and Lucas Cook (Melbourne) and have North Melbourne-listed forward Aaron Black at their disposal.
It’s a similar story in tonight’s big clash between Bendigo Gold and Essendon at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
After parting ways at the end of last season the new stand-alone clubs will field vastly different line-ups in terms of experience in their season opener.
The Bombers have named ruckman David Hille, forward Scott Gumbleton and defenders Kyle Hardingham and Tayte Pears, while Bendigo will pin its hopes on a group of highly talented youngsters.
The Northern Blues have named Robert Warnock in the ruck for their match with the Werribee Tigers, despite the absence of Shaun Hampson in the Carlton line-up.
Aaron Joseph is a welcome inclusion into new coach Luke Webster’s side, while first round draft pick Troy Menzel will make his VFL debut.
The Tigers have made minimal changes after an 11-goal haul from spearhead Ben Warren fired them to an easy win over Port Melbourne last week.
The Box Hill Hawks will kick off their season with Brian Lake at full back after the former Bulldogs gun was named to face Port Melbourne on Sunday.
Michael Osborne has also been named as he continues his recovery from a knee reconstruction, while the Borough will again be without key midfielders Shane Valenti and Toby Pinwill. Michael Fieldsend will debut after crossing from Casey in the off-season.
The clash between Casey and Frankston on Sunday will give Cameron Pedersen a chance to redeem himself after a disappointing debut with Melbourne in Round 1.
Pedersen has been joined by David Rodan and defender Luke Tapscott in the Scorpions’ side to face the Dolphins, who welcome back Russell Gabriel after the ruckman spent last season with East Fremantle in the West Australian Football League.
Young Dolphins midfielder Jason Pongracic will make his VFL debut after he was unlucky to be overlooked in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, and former Cat Scott Simpson will also debut for Frankston.
Coburg’s clash with Sandringham on Sunday will have a rich AFL flavor with both clubs naming sides brimming with household names.
Justin Koschitzke has for the second week in a row been left out of the Saints line-up, while highly rated draftee Nathan Wright will continue to press his case for selection under Zebras coach Simon McPhee.
Coburg’s side will include former Adelaide wingman Chris Knights, along with forwards Robin Nahas, Matt White and Aaron Edwards.
First round draft pick Nick Vlastuin is another who remains in Coburg colours despite a fantastic pre-season at Tigerland.
Last Modified on 05/04/2013 12:26