Tall midfielder Jason Moloney has succumbed to an ankle complaint and is expected to miss between four to six weeks.

Moloney’s injury comes as the club works to cover the loss of star forward Ben Fraser, who is tipped to miss a month of action with a hamstring tear.

Power coach Danny Finn said the side had regained defensive forward Matt Harkin and had also promoted former Hampden league player Peter Moloney after strong form in the reserves.

“Peter has probably built up some good form in the reserves over the past five to six weeks. He’s been ready to play for a while but has waited for his opportunity,” he said.

“He’s a bit of a utility. He can play off half-back, but he can also spend time at full-back and through the middle.

“He uses the ball well and makes good decisions.”

Merrivale will be bolstered by the return of interleague big-man Rhys Raymond for its clash with South Rovers.

He will be joined by small forward Josh Guiney, while Al Porter (knee) and Mark Stewart (elbow) will join Karl Dwyer on the sidelines.

Tigers mentor Jason Rowan said the club had handed a debut to youngster Alex Jennings.

“We’ll look to play him through the wing. He’s a quick mover and makes good decisions, so he’ll be perfect for our wing rotations,” Rowan said.

Russells Creek has turned to Jordan Wallace and Christopher Robertson as its two biggest inclusions as it vies to reclaim pride against Nirranda.

The duo’s inclusion is a part of six changes to the Kangaroos senior side after a bruising encounter with East Warrnambool last week.

Creek coach Heath Moloney said the club had rewarded strong form in the reserves after a below-par showing last week.

“We’re just trying to manage injuries. Andy (McMeel), Liam (Antonio) are just a bit sore but William Buckle will be out for the season with a shoulder,” he said.

“We need to stick to our plans. We had a good half last week (against East) but went away from our we’ve been training.”

Nirranda’s burgeoning forward line has received another boost, with medium-sized prospect Jack Primmer returning from a shoulder complaint.

Primmer will be joined by Hayden Scoble, Corey Lambert, Jarryd Walsh and Cameron Williams.

However, the Blues will miss Daniel Threlfall (ankle), Jason Lee (leg), Danny Craven (leg), Tyler Mungean (shoulder) and Liam Arnott (unavailable).