SIXTH-placed Cobden last night made five changes for tomorrow's must-win round 11 Hampden league match-of-the-round against fifth-placed North Warrnambool Eagles.
The Bombers regained key position player Aiden Cole, who was earmarked by coach Wayne Robertson for the job on Eagles spearhead David Haynes, midfielder Tom Watson from VFL side North Ballarat Roosters and teenager Zac Merrett, who returns from private school footy with Melbourne Grammar.
Cobden played guessing games by naming star Joe Dare on an extended interchange bench despite him being ruled out earlier in the week with a dislocated elbow. His older brother Reuben, a strong on-baller was promoted from the twos along with Joel Wallace for the game at Cobden Recreation Reserve.
The Bombers lost defender Greg Tongs to a hamstring injury while Sam Cunnington was unavailable.
The Eagles made three changes to the side that lost to Koroit by a point, including key forward Michael Darmody for his first game since round three while Nick Mills and Lachie Woodhams were promoted.
Key defender Darcy Keast was ruled out with a quad injury while Sam Batten and Kory Howlett were omitted.
Ladder-leader Camperdown was forced to make three changes to its winning side for the showdown with reigning premier, fourth-placed South Warrnambool at Leura Oval.
The Magpies couldn't consider midfielder Luke Clarke, who was best on ground in last week's 91-point win over Port Fairy with three goals, because of illness, wingman Al Johnson with a jarred knee and veteran Darren Cheeseman (unavailable).
Magpies premiership player James Gellie, who missed the past five games with a broken bone in his hand, was included while Eddie Lucas and Aaron Davis were promoted.
The Roosters made no change for the first time this season after their 35-point win over Cobden. Key forward Kym Eagleson was named after overcoming a bruised shin.
Third-placed Koroit included talented teenager Jayden Whitehead for the match against Terang Mortlake at Victoria Park.
The Saints lost veteran Andrew Foster with a hamstring injury while the Bloods made two changes, including former coach Damian O'Connor, who must pass a fitness test tomorrow night. Small forward Nathan Sargeant was promoted while Gus Bourke (unavailable) and Damian Moloney (concussion) couldn't be considered. Port Fairy regained some experience as it searches for its first win of the season against second-placed Warrnambool at Reid Oval.
The Seagulls were boosted by the return of Lachie Young (calf), key defender Adam Farley (back), Todd Leddin (ankle) and Heathmere permit player Paul Young, a hard-running midfielder.
Opponent Warrnambool included half-back Kayne O'Brien for Corey McLaren, who was omitted.
grbest@standard.fairfax.com.au