A PAIR of under 16 players picked to make their senior debuts and an injury-stricken swingman headline the Hampden league split round selections.
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South Warrnambool will unveil promising midfielder-forward Ethan Harvey against Port Fairy at Gardens Oval in a game which also marks Tom Clancey’s long-awaited return to senior ranks.
The Roosters’ cross-town rival Warrnambool has named teenage midfielder Mitch Bidmade for its clash against bottom-placed Hamilton Kangaroos at Reid Oval.
South Warrnambool coach Mathew Buck said Harvey deserved his chance at senior level.
“Hopefully he’ll be a poster boy for our younger guys and they can aspire to,” he said.
“He’s been playing good football in the juniors and then played under 18s last week.
“He’s a hard, tough player with good skills and should fit in well.”
Buck said Clancey’s story was one of persistence after three shoulder reconstructions.
“He hasn’t played in nearly four years and decided to give it a go this year,” he said.
“He’s worked hard and gets his opportunity. He plays either end and we’ll probably do that to have a look at him.”
Talent duo Jock Blair (calf) and Mar Gattek (omitted) make way.
“Mar travels to Ballarat every Thursday (for TAC Cup) training and has played great games in the seniors for us,” Buck said.
“He just looks tired at the moment.”
Port Fairy welcomed back experienced pair Dylan Gunning (unavailable) and Izaac Dwyer (ankle) for the top-five clash.
Warrnambool coach John Cook said the Blues were excited to play Bidmade after a string of impressive performances at under 16 level.
“He did a bit of work over the summer with the (North Ballarat) Rebels,” he said.
“He is a kid but has a bit of ability."
Premiership player Jye Turland will join Bidmade in the Blues’ line-up after solid form in the seconds.
Thomas Ludeman (ankle) and Ned Aulsebrook will miss.
Cook said the Blues were erring on the side of caution with Hampden interleague representative Ludeman.
Hamilton Kangaroos’ Thomas Scott will make his TAC Cup debut.
Cobden has lost in-form defender Jack Hutt to a minor hamstring complaint for its match against Portland.