HAMILTON Kangaroos coach Matt Dunn is hopeful promising utility Josh Pepper will return to the Hampden league club in 2017.
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Pepper has relocated to Mildura for work commitments, ruling him out of the remainder of the Roos’ campaign.
The strong-bodied game-breaker, who was in contention for Bottle Greens’ interleague selection and starred in the Roos’ round three come-from-behind win over Portland, has opted to join Sunraysia league club South Mildura.
“He shifted for work at the start of May and attempted to travel back but the distance is too much,” Dunn said.
“He’s an Elders’ trainee and they send him around the place for the next four to five months.
“Hopefully he’ll be back next year. It’s a bit of a shame because he’s shown something for us.”
The Kangaroos will also be without Kane Uebergang – the other half of their Anzac Day match-winning combination – when they tackle Port Fairy at Gardens Oval on Saturday.
Dunn said recruit Paul Cox, one of their most creative players, remained at the club after his initial six-week stay.
He is unsure if the Western Australian jet will see out the season.
“Paul is missing home at the moment,” Dunn said.
“We’ve still got him at this point.”
Hamilton Kangaroos (2-4) and Port Fairy (1-5) are determined to respond after round six losses.
Seagulls defender Dylan Gunning said morale was high at Gardens Oval.
“As the season progresses I think we can turn our form around,” he said.
“I think the big thing is our confidence is down from where it was last year.”