Hare was available for selection against Hamilton Kangaroos at Gardens Oval after he had a striking charge withdrawn.

But Seagulls coach Brett Evans said Hare, who has kicked eight goals in six games, would return to the reserves to find form.

Port Fairy, which has lost utility Dylan Herbertson to suspension, welcomes back defender Adam Farley (knee) and the experienced Nick Sheehan.

Evans said the Seagulls, struggling at 1-5, would shake up their line-up in a bid to shake off their slow start.

“I think Liam Howarth will get an opportunity down back – he’s played all down forward for us – and Xavier McCartney will go up the ground a bit too,” he said.

“They might not have had as much footy as they would’ve liked, so it’s a chance to get in the game.”

Evans said Farley, who has missed since round three with a knee complaint, would bolster the Seagulls’ back six.

“He is a huge in for us; we’ve really missed him,” he said.

Hamilton Kangaroos have lost influential duo Kane Uebergang and Josh Pepper.

The latter has put in a clearance to join the Sunraysia league.

Portland boom recruit Levi Konitzka, who was a chance to play interleague, is among four changes at the Tigers for their clash against Warrnambool at Reid Oval.

Konitzka will miss with a knee injury, while teenager Keegan Gray will make his TAC Cup debut for North Ballarat Rebels.

Tigers midfielder Daniel Falcone is in Italy for a wedding and defender Toby Cocks is sidelined with a knee injury.

South Warrnambool will be without midfielder Zacc Struth (unavailable) for its clash against Koroit.

The Saints welcome back premiership duo Chris McLaren and Levi Nagorcka for the injured Blair McCutcheon (wrist) and TAC Cup-recalled Nick Hausler.