Spokes will play against Warrnambool next weekend before an operation on her lower leg.

Magpies coach Sharon Kenna said Spokes, who played in their 48-30 win against Terang Mortlake on Saturday, had battled a foot and ankle ligament problems since last season.

“She will be a loss because she’s a hard worker and she’s one player you know will give you 100 per cent every week,” she said.

“I have some options to replace her but we’ll have to see who fits in.”

Kenna said the Magpies would have to eliminate lapses against the Blues after shaky periods put them in a tough position against the youth-laden Bloods.

“Our first quarter was shocking. They were 6-0 before we got on the board,” she said.

“We were one goal down at quarter-time and in the second quarter had another bad start.”

Cobden maintained a break at the top with a 48-26 win over Port Fairy and Portland defeated Warrnambool 54-48.