PREMIERSHIP hopeful Merrivale has regained imposing ruckman Rhys Raymond and spearhead Jason Rowan for its do-or-die elimination final against Timboon Demons.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The duo were named as part of an extended bench, with backman Sean Barnes, forward James Preston and captain Josh Sobey also selected to return from injury.
Rowan, the Tigers’ playing coach, expected Raymond to shoulder the majority of ruck duties.
“It’s good to have him back. He had a niggle but we didn’t feel the need to risk him last week,” Rowan said.
“He’ll be doing the ruck work for the majority of the game. He’s a big presence and he’ll go head to head with Barney (Hickey).”
Rowan also welcomed the return of Barnes and Preston.
“James had a bit of a knock to the head a couple of weeks ago and was suffering from a bit of a concussion,” he said.
“Barnesy is also so reliable for us down back. It’s great to have him back in.”
Fifth-placed Timboon Demons has picked Ben Newey to bolster its engine room, while defender James Plant is set to miss.
Reigning premier Nirranda has been hit by the forced absence of forward Jack Primmer, who injured his hamstring in the final home-and-away clash of the season.
Returning forward Robbie Gregg has charged the Blues’ forward stocks, while midfielder Damian Moloney and young defender Reagan Nutting are tipped to play key roles.
Blues co-coach Shane Threlfall said the inclusion of Gregg eased pressure on a host of forwards.
“He’s a genuine goalkicker and he takes a bit of pressure of Gary Robinson,” Threlfall said.
“He comes in for Jack Primmer who just didn’t quite get up. We’re probably erring on the side of caution with that one.”
Threlfall said while the loss of Primmer was a blow, the Blues were capable of performing to a high level without his influence.
“Jack has been really good for us as that high half forward who presents really well," he said.
“He’s missed a few games this year through injury, and when he has, we’ve shuffled around some of our smaller forwards.
“When he hasn’t been playing, we’ve been able to use a plan B effectively.”
Kolora-Noorat is set to enter the qualifying final clash unchanged for the first time in 2017.
Power coach Danny Finn said utility Joe O’Sullivan was close to beating a hamstring complaint, but just missed out on selection.
“He’s probably another week away before we consider him,” Finn said. “We’re happy with the squad.”
