HIGH-quality players are expected to add class to all four Hampden league week one finals combatants.
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South Warrnambool has included former AFL midfielder Josh Saunders among four changes for its elimination final against Warrnambool on Sunday.
Defensive pillars Matt Colbert and Tim O’Keeffe and hard nut midfielder Thomas Ludeman return for the Blues.
Coach Dan Nicholson and match-winner Matt Sully come in for Port Fairy’s qualifying final match up against Camperdown on Saturday.
The Magpies welcome back ruckman Will Rowbottom and dynamic defender Jack Williams.
South Warrnambool coach Mat Buck had tough decisions to make at the selection table.
Full-back Harry Ponting and emerging duo Noah Kol and Jay Rantall, who comes in for just his second senior game, join Saunders in the Roosters’ best 21.
Heath Brennan, Cooper Atchison, Fraser Marris and Corey Gallichan make way.
Buck stuck with under 16 prospect Marcus Herbert after his promising senior debut in the final round.
“He had to (hold his spot) in the end – he played far too well,” he said.
“He takes everything in his stride but it’s a great achievement. He fills a need for us.”
Buck said Australian junior basketball representative Rantall was another teenager worthy of a spot.
“He was really impressive in his last game against Warrnambool,” he said.
“He’s got a stronger body for around the contests.”
Warrnambool coach Matt O’Brien said the Blues’ inclusions added experience.
Ludeman and Colbert were expected to return from injury last week but were late omissions.
Wil Fleming, Noah Turland and Beau Turland missed out.
The Blues will also be without forward Luke Cody who is unlikely to play again this season with an arm injury.
O’Brien said O’Keeffe would provide a steadying influence in defence.
“He has beautiful delivery with his foot skills, he kicks it long and accurately, as well as his ability to spoil and shutdown (forwards),” he said.
Camperdown coach Phil Carse said Rowbottom and Williams had benefitted from a week off.
“They’ve both had big workloads this year and it was a good chance to have a week off and it’s done them the world of good,” he said.
The pair replaced the suspended Sam Cunnington and injured Josh Bone.
Nicholson and Sully return to the Seagulls’ line up with both capable of filling a variety of roles on the ground.