KOROIT'S 14th win of the season came at a heavy price, with attacking weapon Marissa Chapman ruled out of Saturday's final round match.
Chapman suffered head, jaw, arm and knee injuries in a nasty collision with North Warrnambool Eagles defender Indi Morrison in the final quarter of the Saints' 53-34 win at Victoria Park.
Coach Jacqui Bowman said Chapman would be no chance to play against Terang Mortlake, with medical treatment this week to determine the extent of the injuries.
She said the jaw and knee injuries were the most concerning.
"She hit her head, face, elbow and knees. She definitely won't be playing next week," Bowman said.
"She wasn't knocked out but she wasn't well.
"We are disappointed to lose her and hope it is just bruising."
Chapman's injuries compounded the loss of defender Stacey O'Sullivan, who suffered a calf injury at training in the lead-up to the Eagles match.
At a time when the Saints are looking to ramp up their preparations for a tilt at a third consecutive A grade premierships, they are battling to get a side on the court.
Bowman said with Holly Greene and Carly Pulling unavailable because of basketball grand final commitments with the Mermaids, plus injuries to other players, the Saints were constantly drawing on A1 players, with several playing back-to-back games.
Rebecca Beard, Bridie Harman, Carley Thomas and Nirranda import Steph Jamieson all bolstered the side on Saturday.
The Saints face a determined Terang Mortlake in Saturday's final home-and-away game, while the Eagles, who dropped from fourth to fifth, host Cobden.
grbest@standard.fairfax.com.au
