FORMER Merrivale coach Karl Dwyer has been given the green light to suit up for his first game under the guidance of incumbent mentor Jason Rowan.
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Dwyer will be joined by star midfielder Al Porter, vice-captain Jack Gleeson and James Preston for the Tigers’ clash with Panmure on Saturday.
Rowan told The Standard an influx of experience would bode well for the Tigers, who are vying to maintain pressure on Kolora-Noorat and Old Collegians.
“We’ve got four quality players coming back in, and we’ve got such great depth at Merrivale at the moment,” he said. “Karl has coached us for the last three years and his experience will be fantastic. He can play anywhere – forward, through the midfield, or down back.
“Between the blokes we’ve brought in, they’ll be great in giving a bit of direction and in helping me out on the field.
“They’ve done everything right to get back in the side and it’s pretty exciting to get a near full-strength side out on the park.”
Kolora-Noorat is managing veterans Joey Conheady and Ben Kenna, who have dropped out due to general soreness.
However, the Power is set to welcome Sean Bourke into its fold for his first game of 2017.
Kolora-Noorat assistant coach Ben Walsh said Bourke had worked his way through the reserves last week and was firing ahead of the club’s East Warrnambool battle.
Nirranda will be bolstered by the return of Will Paulin, who has returned from injury, while Hayden Scoble and Dylan Lees will also return.
Jarryd Walsh, Daniel Threlfall and Lachie Blake will drop out.
Dennington’s bid to secure its second win of the season has taken a blow, with ruckman Justin Wallace (unavailable) and former mentor Darcy Lewis (soreness) both set to miss its clash with Allansford.
However, coach Jake Rhodes said the return of Luke Duncan across half back would add defensive sturdiness to the unit.
South Rovers will also be without Jack Hancocks and Ayden Bosse.