SOUTH Warrnambool coach Mat Buck is busy shuffling the magnets with a hamstring injury to sideline in-form midfielder Liam Youl for up to six weeks.
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Youl was hurt in the Roosters’ pre-bye loss to Koroit.
James Hussey’s impending departure will also leave a hole in the Hampden league finals contender in the run home.
Hussey will play against Portland on Saturday before jetting overseas.
Buck said Youl had endured a horrid run with injury with “great footy in between”.
“He’s had hamstring strains before so he’ll know how it’s done,” he said.
“We have to take it sensibly. He's been playing through the midfield and is a really hard runner and great ball user. He’s one of our best players.”
Buck said Paddy Anderson, Ethan Harvey, pending TAC Cup commitments, and brothers Nick and Sam Thompson, who have been playing in defence, could slot into the midfield.
Hussey, a renowned ball winner, has spent time in attack in recent weeks as South Warrnambool prepares for his departure.
South Warrnambool sits fourth on the Hampden league ladder – one game clear of fifth-placed Terang Mortlake and just six points clear of sixth-ranked Warrnambool – with seven rounds to play.