The Bloods have added ex-Caramut onballer Lachie Barr and Bungaree premiership player Jordan Payne for their Anzac Day match against Koroit at Terang Recreation Reserve today.

O’Connor was handed a three-week ban at the independent tribunal on Wednesday night.

Terang Mortlake coach Matthew Irving said Payne, back at the club after a stint in the Central Highlands league, was an invaluable addition to the Bloods’ engine room.

“He’s a clean user of the footy, really smart and strong in the hips and core,” he said. 

“He’ll get it out to our runners.”

Irving is hopeful Payne, Barr and co will feed off new ruckman Dale Robinson, who has come into the side after spending the 2014 season in the reserves.

Koroit, smarting from a round one loss to Warrnambool in the Hampden league grand final rematch, has also altered its midfield. 

Saints coach Adam Dowie hopes the weather forecast — rain is predicted for a second straight Saturday -– will help the returning Kale Cumming.

“He didn’t play last year but had a terrific pre-season and with wet weather he’s an in-and-under player,” he said.

“We went a bit top-heavy last week.

“Even with Damian out I think they (the Bloods) will have a fair bit of resolve about them and the conditions will make it a bit of a slog.”

Dowie said the Saints were outplayed against the Blues and took lessons from the humbling loss.

“Hopefully we’re a bit better prepared and move the ball better,” he said. 

“We were outdone in the contested side of things last week.

“That’s an area we had been good in previously but we had a lot of new faces and a lot of young faces.

“We still think our side is a really good side and think we have the depth.”

Koroit defender Dallas Mooney will play his 100th senior game in red, black and white.

The reliable backman, who lives in Warrnambool, played in the Saints’ premiership last season.

“He plays for the love of the club, the love of the jumper and love of his mates,” Dowie said.

“He just keeps getting better. He’s a pretty quiet sort of guy but over the next few years he is going to become a more important type of leadership player on the field.

“I am full of admiration for anyone who plays a milestone game and Dal is no exception.” 

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au