United’s horror early-season draw continues with a match-up against the Tigers, who are coming off a monster 178-point win over Barooga.
By the end of the round, the Eagles will have played last season’s top two sides — Tongala and Cobram — and finals contenders Moama and Deniliquin in the first four games.
Eagles coach Farran Priest admitted the timing of the club’s swag of injuries was unfortunate, with Angus Jackson and Matt Haris two forced outs.
“We’ve been borderline ravaged by injuries, which isn’t ideal at this time of the year,” Priest said.
“The blessing is that we have a lot of like-for-like (replacements). We obviously may lose a winger, but we have a few that can come in.
“At this stage we’re really diving deep into our depth.”
United will come in as significant underdogs after a difficult initiation to the 2022 campaign.
“We know what we’re going to get from Cobram; they’re fit, they’re fast-paced,” Priest said.
“The obvious (plan) would be to slow them down as much as possible.
Despite a heavy defeat to Moama in the Three Jacks Cup last Friday, Priest is seeing gradual improvement in the sides game-plan after a positive first quarter.
“I think we’re learning a lot more from 100-point losses than 100-point wins,” Priest said.
“It’s a tough road to walk, but credit to the boys, they’re still showing up to training and they’re still eager.
“Our whole game-plan has been based around pressure; tackling pressure and just playing on our terms.
“I think the weekend (against Moama) was the first time we did it for a quarter and a half where previously we’ve only done it for 10 to 15 minutes.”
United and Cobram square off at Echuca South Recreation Reserve this Saturday from 2pm.
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