Koroit will be without two key players as it looks to keep its dream of winning five consecutive premierships alive.
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The Saints will head into Saturday’s Hampden league preliminary final against Port Fairy without important duo Taylor McKenry and Taylor Mulraney.
Coach Chris McLaren revealed McKenry underwent scans on his troublesome knee on Thursday with the results to be received on Friday.
“It is really weird because he didn’t notice it in the game and played the game out, but then he pulled up really sore,” he said.
“It was swollen up on Sunday and he can’t put much weight on it.
“He had a knee reconstruction about 18 months ago, so it is no risking it for us.
“We will see how he comes up for next week hopefully.”
The premiership coach also admitted to resisting the temptation of selecting Mulraney for the do-or-die final.
McLaren said it was not an easy choice to leave the star out, especially with a grand final spot on the line.
“He trained strongly and looked very sharp,” he said.
“I had to try and hold him back a bit, but he put his hand up to play and wasn’t overly impressed I didn’t pick him.
“The general rule is when they are right give them another week and we have been on that all year.
“He probably thinks he is right, but we probably think he is another week away.”
McKenry’s absence has provided an opportunity for Jayden Whitehead to get another chance at senior level.
McLaren said he had responded perfectly to his tough omission after a strong performance in round 18.
“He was pretty unlucky to go out, but he went back to the twos and was terrific,” he said.
“We have had a few go back to the twos over the year and their attitude has all been terrific.
“They no if they don’t get a game it is no drama and if they play well they will get back in.”
Port Fairy has made just the one change in its bid to play in back-to-back grand finals.
The Seagulls have named Jim Conlan as the replacement for the suspended Sam McCartney.
Coach Dan Nicholson was confident the team could cover the loss of McCartney.
"Sam obviously straightens us up well and is a good leading target who has been marking the ball really well over the last six weeks, so we lose a key target," he said.
"But it is looking like conditions might not have suited Sam anyway, so we don't think we have lost too much.
"And Jim is intense and tenacious so his pressure and intensity will be priceless.”