DENNINGTON coach Darcy Lewis is confident he will play this weekend despite a mild concussion against Merrivale wiping parts of his memory.
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The centre-half-forward came off second-best in a contest against Tigers backman Sean Barnes in the last minute of the match at Dennington Recreation Reserve.
He slumped to his hands and knees after the incident and later struggled to stand on his own accord.
Lewis yesterday said he could not recall addressing his teammates in the change rooms post-match and had only vague recollections of taking a shower.
His memory is clear from when he left the shower and discovered assistant coach Leigh Evans handing out awards to the best players.
Lewis later attended hospital to have a wound in the back of his head – accidentally left by Barnes’ studs as the defender jumped over his opponent – stitched up.
“I’ve got patches (of memories) from when the trainers were with me then nothing until I had a shower,” he said.
“I asked the boys ‘did I speak after the game’ and they said ‘yeah’. I couldn’t remember that or singing the song.
“I was fairly groggy. I had to go up to hospital on Saturday night, I got my head stapled up.
“Yesterday (Sunday) it felt like I had a big night on the grog. I didn’t have a drink.”
Lewis worked on Monday and backed himself to play against Panmure on Saturday. He will see a doctor later this week to receive the all-clear.
But the news was not as upbeat for Sam Curtis, who could miss the rest of the season after an incident involving Merrivale’s Matt Gleeson left him with a bloodied mouth.
Curtis played no further part after the 15-minute mark of the first term. Gleeson will front the Warrnambool and District league independent tribunal on Wednesday night.
The Dogs’ eight-point win has all but secured them the minor premiership. They are a game clear, with matches against Panmure and Timboon Demons to come.
Evans on Saturday said having the first week off in finals – should they remain on top – would help them refresh for a semi-final against either Merrivale or Allansford.
That scenario has an added advantage for the Dogs. The Tigers and Cats also meet in round 18, meaning they will reach the second week of finals on the back of two tough matches.
Luke Pearson and Jordan Greene are also close to returning to the seniors.
“They’re exciting times at the club. We’re only going to go forward from here,” Evans said.
