SECOND-placed Camperdown made six changes last night as it looks to snap a three-game losing streak in tomorrow’s round 16 Hampden league match against Terang Mortlake at D.C. Farran Oval.
The Magpies regained a bevvy of stars — captain Adrian Murray, full-forward Luke Molan, young forward Sam Gordon, VFL wingman Fraser Lucas, midfielder Jamie Titmus and premiership player James Gellie.
It wasn’t all gain for the Magpies, with young half-back Charlie Bradshaw’s season over with a broken collarbone, Mitch Danahay suffering a bruised heel, veteran Matt Sinnott out with a knee injury and Tom Gordon heading back to the VFL.
Forward Grant Place and Nathan Walsh were omitted.
Seventh-placed Terang Mortlake, out of finals contention, made three changes, promoting under 15 Victorian Country representative Jake Crawley for his senior debut and Seahawks basketballer Justin Wallace for his first game of the year after his round ball code’s season ended.
Nathan Sargeant was rewarded for good performances in the reserves, while Michael Payne (corked thigh) and Zac Pickett, who’s season is over because of knee surgery, couldn’t be considered.
Defending premier South Warrnambool (fourth) named premiership key forward Jason Bourke for his first game of the year in tomorrow’s match-of-the-round showdown with fifth-placed North Warrnambool Eagles at Bushfield.
Bourke, who had travelled extensively overseas, returns to the seniors after two games in the reserves. Braden Hotker, a late withdrawal last week with a corked thigh, and Adam Wolff, a late withdrawal with a bruised foot, both return.
Premiership co-captain Danny Finn’s return from a long injury lay-off lasted just one week after he was ruled out with concussion, while tough runners Tait Niddrie and Luke Payne were unlucky to miss out.
The Eagles, coming off four consecutive wins, made no changes to the side that defeated Camperdown last week by 19 points.
Ladder-leader Warrnambool named an unchanged side for the second consecutive week as it prepares for a first-versus-third clash for the second time in as many games.
The Blues host Koroit, which rushed back captain Ben Goodall, forward Brad Williams and tenacious midfielder Dave Pullen, after the trio missed last week’s win over Port Fairy.
Sixth-placed Cobden is celebrating the return of dynamic midfielder Leigh Evans, who will play his first game since suffering a collarbone injury in round eight, when the Bombers meet Port Fairy at Gardens Oval. Evans was one of four changes for the Bombers, who must win to stay in touch with the five.
Under 18 defender Jamie Norton was promoted for his senior debut, while nuggety midfielder Lachie Green was named for his first senior game of the year. Teenage gun Zac Merrett also returns.
The Bombers lost Reuben Dare to suspension and his younger broher Lincoln returns to the under 18s, while wingman Leigh Rosolin couldn’t be considered because of a calf niggle.
Port Fairy made one change, regaining Lachie Young for the unavailable Lachie Campbell.
grbest@standard.fairfax.com.au