SEBASTOPOL last night was forced into wholesale changes for its special Sunday clash against Lake Wendouree.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Kookaburras made nine changes, four because of injury and two because of surprise departures. Three others were omitted.
Sebastopol is reeling from the loss of two of its high profile recruits - Bruce Jarmyn and Shane Hodges to a Cairns club.
Coach Scott said the sudden departures were not anticipated by the club but that their positions would open the door for another two of the club's promising juniors.
"They flew up to Cairns 6 o'clock last night," Scott admitted.
"It is not footy related (their departure)," he said.
Scott and the selectors at Sebastopol also had to fill the gaps left by injuries after its match in the first half of the split round when key position player Brent Swan suffered a fractured cheekbone, Bobby Aberdein a broken hand, ruckman/forward Tim olver (strained ligaments) and a knee injury to youngster Andrew Dower.
"We struggle with form then strike a couple of injuries. "Popsy" Collard is also three to four weeks away yet," Scott lamented.
"We certainly have to draw on our depth but David Lindner (new recruit) is back from one week's suspension and Sam Rooke is also back.
"Troy Leon played a couple of reserves games and will be back in the ones," he added.
Under 18 players to get the call-up are Scott Abbott_Proelss, Mark Hay, James Carroll, Leith Pellissier and Liam Caldwell. Also into the seniors is Toby Searle.
The Lakers unfortunately lost Shaun O'Loughlin (broken leg), bringing in Nick Stephens to fill the void.
In tomorrow's matches it is not good news for the East Point Kangaroos as Melton has made five positive changes including the recruitment of former Gisborne full forward John Taylor.
Taylor plays for Carlton Cricket Club and is in the Victorian Bushrangers squad.
Also into the line-up are key players Andrew Strachan, Jeff Overington (from suspension), Matthew Drain and Ash Webber. Out is Mark Cullen (hamstring).
East Point has called in Clint Aspland (Illabarook) on permit, and under 18 players Adam Jennings and Peter Blanchfield.
The Kangaroos regained key player Damien Kinnersley but on the down side lost Cade Nicholls (Rebels), Joel Brayshaw (injured) and Damian Norman (suspended).
At Alfredton Oval last night, the Swans could not consider in-form defender James Coppock while Matthew Sharkey has been seconded to the North Ballarat Rebels. The good news for the struggling Swans was the return of Jed Manley from illness, Tim Canny and Matt Shortal. Shaun Findlayson was also called up from the under 18s.
Opponents, Darley just keep getting stronger on paper with the return of classy Kane Stewart as well as Drew Edwards while out is Matt Stevens (shoulder) and Trent Saunders (knee).
At the Western Oval, Redan trained like its season depended on it, knowing a win in Cobra territory against Bacchus Marsh would probably ensure the end of its finals hopes and enhance the Lion's destiny with a strong hold on the sixth.
