Darmody is expected to miss until at least the end of the home and away season after suffering a hamstring injury, but the news is better for James North (hamstring), who expected to be back in time for the final-round clash with North Warrnambool Eagles.

Templeton will sit out with concussion after copping a heavy hit to the head last week, which required 12 stitches above his eye, while Alex Pulling is out with a tight calf muscle.

Saints coach Chris McLaren said while losing the quartet was not ideal, he was happy to welcome back Tom Mugavin (knee), who is playing his first senior game since June 3, Taylor Mulraney (hip flexor/groin), Nick Whiting and Lachlan Rhook.

Cobden is sweating on the availability of a few players under injury clouds, but will definitely be without Christian Koroneos, who dislocated and potentially broke his thumb at training on Thursday night. “He went straight to hospital with it,” Bombers coach Levi Dare said.

Dare also expects Jahd Anderson to be recalled to the VFL after an impressive performance last week, while Noah Mounsey is unavailable. The Bombers will be boosted by the return of Sam Uwland and Aidan Cole, while Sam Giblett has got the call-up after booting nine goals in the under 18.5s last week.

Warrnambool is hopeful of bringing Brendan Moore (scaphoid) in for his first game this season, Brad Bull (hamstring tightness) and Otto Opperman (illness) are set to return to take on Terang Mortlake.

Blues captain Sam Cowling is also in the frame for a late-season return.

“We’ve got a few decisions to make in the next 24 hours,” Blues coach John Cook said.

“We’re just waiting on the registration process for Brendan Moore.”

Marty Van Rooy is out with a shoulder injury, while the club is waiting on a report on Nick Chirnside, who was injured in a workplace accident.

Terang Mortlake will be without Jess Budarick for the clash after he broke his thumb last week, while Harry Hobbs is being rested ahead of his Herald Sun Shield schoolboy footy match on Wednesday.

“That’s a pretty big deal,” Bloods coach Michael Sargeant said. “We didn’t want to risk him (getting injured). That’s the biggest schoolboys match.”

The Bloods welcome back Ryan O’Connor (hamstring tightness) and Tom Arundell.

Hamilton Kangaroos have made two changes ahead of their clash with North Warrnambool Eagles, welcoming in Cooper Henson for his first game this season, while fellow GWV Rebel Tom Scott is also back. Ryan Sigley and Josh Nield return to the reserves.

The Eagles have made four changes, with Ben Fleming, Tom MacLarn, Xavier Mills and debutant Jalen Porter in.