Ocean Grove will be without star big man Ed Dayman for the remainder of the 2024 season.
One of the shining lights in the Grubbers’ tough first half of the season, Dayman suffered a syndesmosis injury against Drysdale.
“We’re still waiting on (the) surgeon’s advice, but it will definitely be season-ending,” coach Dave Farrell said following the club’s first win of 2024 against Portarlington.
“It’s really disappointing for him because he’s been so invested. His form has been publicly reported and celebrated.
“He’s an amazing player, but he’s a really important person around the club, too; we absolutely love him.
“Most importantly, (we hope) he gets back to full health as quick as he can.”
Josh Wooding (toe) is no guarantee to take on Queenscliff, but Kirby Reilly is set to return from a bout of Covid.
Reilly has played just five senior games, but Farrell is already a fan.
“After his second game, I said I’ve never seen a second game from a senior player and wished we had two of him on the ground,” Farrell said.
“He’s been superb for us.”
Across the Barwon River, Barwon Heads will be without dual-premiership player Michael Philp for at least a fortnight after suffering a concussion in the win over Drysdale.
Philp was forced from the ground late in the first quarter after colliding with teammate Kallum Hinchcliffe.
He’ll miss this week’s crucial clash against fellow top-three hopeful Anglesea and the following round’s meeting with Newcomb.
“I spoke to ‘Philpy’ Sunday and yesterday, and he’s getting better each day,” co-coach Sam Schaller said.
“But, he’ll go into the 21 days (protocol), and we won’t see him until the last game before the bye.
“If he’s still not in a position (to return), then we get that extra week.”
Charlie Hurst (calf) also failed to see out the game with a calf issue that first reared its head in the previous week’s loss to Torquay.
“It’s a bit of an unknown one; we don’t know whether it’s a corkie or a knock,” Schaller said.
“But, he’s a little bit hopeful he’ll be right for this Saturday.”
Barwon Heads is also set to lose Cooper Ward and Jack Henderson back to the Geelong Falcons for its first Talent League match at Torquay since 2017.
“They both were fantastic on the weekend,” Schaller said.
“The best thing is, they love playing for Barwon Heads any opportunity they get.”
Charlie Walter will come into the frame for his first senior game of the season after five goals in the reserves in his second game back from injury.
Marley Cornell, if not required by the Geelong Falcons, and Luca Vella are also a chance to take on the Roos.
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