The Hampden league heavyweights have shown more signs of their mortality than in recent seasons, dropping four and five games respectively, but have been able to hold onto top three spots despite injuries and unavailabilities.

Warrnambool has lost key big man Andrew McCarthy for at least six weeks to a broken metatarsal, adding to an injury list that already includes the likes of Brendan Moore (fractured wrist) and Sam Cowling (foot).

Blues coach John Cook said it was “touch and go” whether premiership midfielder Tim Hunt took the field again this year.

“He’s still recovering from a pretty severe hamstring,” Cook said.

The Saints made three forced changes for their clash with North Warrnambool Eagles, losing Marcus Darmody and Tauryan Zimmer to hamstring injuries, while James Gow has been recalled for TAC Cup duties.

Michael Darmody, Jayden Whitehead and Will Templeton will step up in their absence.

But Dowie hopes to see the injured start filtering back into the team after next weekend’s split round bye, starting with big recruit Tim McIntyre, and said the team continued to adapt regardless of who was on the field.

“Hopefully we’ll get a few for the Camperdown game – certainly over the next three or four weeks … we’ll get somewhere near full-strength,” Dowie said.