ALLANSFORD coach Jason Saunders has declared himself fit for Saturday’s clash against Russells Creek after five weeks on the sidelines.
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The Cats’ leader suffered a severe finger injury against Timboon Demons in round four, but said he was ready to throw himself back into the contest in Allansford’s forward line.
“It (the finger) is feeling really good,” he said.
“It’s been five weeks now and I tested it out this week.
“I haven’t missed too much in terms of running and all that. You can do a heap of training off the track, but there’s nothing like match fitness.”
Saunders is one of four inclusions for the Cats, alongside Justin Coates, Sam Byron and Matt Smith.
They will replace Ben Lenehan, who accepted a two-week ban for striking, Stephen Lovett, Jeremy Ellis and Jason Trotman.
“We’re covering all areas we’ve lost (players),” Saunders said.
“Ben will be sorely missed with his height … we’ve brought in Darren Kelly in the ruck.”
Saunders said Allansford’s focus would be on getting its structures right against the Kangaroos, particularly in the forward line.
“I’m really happy with the way our back line and our midfield are gelling,” he said.
“It’s more defensive pressure in our forward line and trying to create turnovers in our forward half.”
Nirranda will also be without its number-one ruckman heading into its clash with Timboon Demons, with Heath Moloney set to miss.
He and Ben Ludeman are both out with leg injuries.
Forward Jesse Dalton is back in, while small midfielder Marcus Roberts will play his first senior game for the season.
Ethan Dalton will step up as the Blues’ main ruckman in Moloney’s absence.
“(He) has been chopping in the ruck with Heath, so he gets more time in there,” Nirranda coach Shane Threlfall said.
“He can run around and jump … and we’ve got a couple of other guys we can put into the ruck (to help if needed).”
East Warrnambool coach Paul Hrabar is optimistic about his side’s form heading into its clash with unbeaten Old Collegians at Davidson Oval.
The Bombers have made four changes, bringing Liam Feros-Collins, Coedie Carter, Ben Knight and Jordan Collins into the team.
Collins is returning from an ankle injury, having missed the past month, giving the visitors’ a vital boost in the ruck, while Knight is back after missing one round with a finger injury.
Feros-Collins and Carter will give East Warrnambool a burst of speed, playing predominantly on wing and as a rover respectively.
