East Warrnambool coach Chatfield keeping Bombers focused on footy

Chatfield is recovering after suffering a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain in Saturday's match against Old Collegians in the Warrnambool and District league.

It's uncertain when he will return home from Melbourne with doctors indicating he won't be released before the end of the week.

But according to Bombers president Allan Miller, Chatfield hasn't let it stop him from making sure his men are prepared to play Dennington on Saturday.

"On social media, he's been up and about giving the boys some cheek and making sure they are still coming to training tonight and focusing on what they've got to do for the week ahead football-wise as well," he said.

Miller said he had plenty of leaders at his club who could step up in Chatfield's physical absence this week.

"With Danny being a playing coach nothing much will change," he said.

"We've got Matthew Kenny and Paul Hrabar coaching from the bench and we've got Brad Rees who will be providing that on-field leadership as our assistant coach playing on the field.

"Between the three of them they're certainly taking training tonight and Wednesday night and we'll roll onto the weekend."

Miller said Chatfield's presence at the club would be missed while he was away.

"His presence physically will be felt for the period of time he's not here," he said.

"But having said that, Danny's leadership is at a level now where it's broader than just his physical presence.

"He leaves behind some good directions for the fellas."

Miller said there had been great support from the broader community in the form of text messages, social media and phone calls.

The Bombers president said the club was looking forward to putting in a strong performance on Saturday.

"Certainly our focus from here on is to continue to support Danny and his family but to come out strong on the weekend and put on a good show against Dennington," he said.

East Warrnambool captain Sam Grinter has played plenty of footy with Chatfield at the Bombers and also at Russells Creek and Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

He said the playing group was focused on moving forward.

"We know Danny himself, as a leader, would want us to keep moving on so that's what we're prepared to do," he said.

The Bombers will travel to Dennington Recreation Reserve hoping to get their first win of the season against the Dogs on Saturday.

Dennington is also in search of its first victory of the Warrnambool and District league season after five-straight losses.

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