Hank Schlaghecke buzzing for Woodford's return to turf

The Eels, who started their season on a hard wicket at Bushfield, will travel to Merrivale on Saturday.

It means the club's bowlers - including Schlaghecke - should have joy with movement off the seam expected to feature.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it. We'll be able to get a bit more out of the ball," Schlaghecke said.

"It'll do a bit more for us. It'll probably be a bit more low-scoring than our first two games, I would've thought."

Woodford is yet to post a total below 200.

Schlaghecke said the Eels' bowling variety was also proving dangerous early on.

Skipper Nick Butters has called on just six bowlers so far this season in a major show of faith.

"We've had myself, Connor (Richardson) and (Matthew Wines) who've sort of been the strike bowlers and Ollie King is one who put in a pretty decent pre-season," Schlaghecke said.

"Bailey (Jenkinson) is a nice, tight bowler who gets through his overs nice and quick and even (Liam Burgess) can come on and grab a few wickets.

"We have Kory Howlett up our sleeve too. He hasn't bowled but I think Butters wants to bowl him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get some overs."

Schlaghecke, 29, said he was personally keeping bowling simple.

"I'm just trying to get them to hit the spot. I want to get wickets but if I'm not, hopefully we're getting them at the other end," he said.

"I just want to keep it tight up my end. I'm probably not as quick as I once was but if I can hit the spot and just try to bowl in partnerships (that's the aim)."

Woodford is so far undefeated following victories over Wesley-CBC and Dennington in the opening two rounds.

Schlaghecke, a three-time premiership player at Woodford, said the current team was well-positioned for success.

"It's been good having the Wines boys playing so early and having them batting well at the top of the order, as well as the good variety we have with the bowlers," he said.

"With batters we're batting right down to number eight.

"We can throw the strike to anyone we need. It's definitely one of the stronger teams we've had on the park for the past few years.

"We just have a lot of options which is making it a bit easier for Butters as a captain."

Woodford will meet a Merrivale side chasing its first victory after losses to Russells Creek and reigning premier Brierly-Christ Church in rounds one and two.

The Tigers have endured the toughest start to the season of any Warrnambool and District Cricket Association side, playing three of this past season's finalists in their opening three games.

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