The Eagles will unveil plenty of fresh faces at Deni after a summer recruiting spree saw more than 20 new players arrive at the club.
The Rams will also have a slightly new look about them from last year, with the return of key players Anthony Bull, Nick Howe and Josh Whelan.
Deni will also see former Rams junior Henry Johnstone return to Hardinge St Oval for his senior debut, after playing seven seasons in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
Rams co-coach Sam Hall said his side will be clear underdogs heading into the clash.
‘‘There’s a lot of expectation on the Eagles this year given their high profile recruits, but we aren’t too concerned with that,’’ he said.
‘‘They obviously have some dangerous players who we will need to keep an eye on but we’ll want to play our own brand of footy.
‘‘We’re coming from a long way back so we will have respect for all sides and will be out there to gain some respect of our own.
‘‘Recruit Ryan Brunker (Deni Rovers) will play and may get a tagging role on one of their key ball movers — he’s had a super pre-season and looks primed for the clash; former club junior Henry Johnstone will debut and most likely go forward.
‘‘I can’t fault our preseason so we should be well prepared for the clash. We’ve had strong numbers across four or five months of training and have been working on our game plan and have a good feeling amongst the whole playing group .
‘‘In saying that, we’re a new side and a young side so we’re not setting any lofty goals. We’re big on reward for effort and everyone beating their direct opponent.
‘‘I’m expecting a fairly attacking game of footy. Both sides have good ball movers and some key forwards so hopefully it’s an entertaining and high-scoring game in front of a big crowd for our season opener.
‘‘I’m confident in the work we’ve put in to prepare for this match, so I’d like to think we can cause an upset. I don’t think anyone outside of our club would expect us to win but that’s okay with us — hopefully we can take a couple of sides by surprise this year.’’
Deni will be hoping for a repeat of last year, where the underdog Rams scored their first win of the season in a 16 point boilover against the Eagles in round 10.
If the Rams are to achieve an upset they will need to curb the influence of ex-AFL player Josh Mellington.
The former Fremantle forward headlines the long list of Eagles recruits, with Hall adding there will be plenty of players his side will need to be accountable for.
‘‘Most likely our most experienced defender Anthony Bull will go to Mellington; they have some good ball movers in Tom Curnow and Rowan and Farran Priest as well.
‘‘There might be a few demons there for the Eagles (after last year).
‘‘I rate that win last year as one of the best wins in our club’s recent history, given how we were travelling at the time, and it’s a credit to the side on that day.
‘‘Hopefully it does play on their mind but I think it’s unlikely.’’
Selection: Echuca United by six goals.
