TORQUAY could have many as twelve changes to the team that lost the 2019 grand final when it takes to McCartney Oval for its Good Friday clash with Ocean Grove.
While the Tigers have avoided the significant departures some of their BFL rivals have been impacted by, it’s the returnees and arrivals that have resulted in the different look Dom Gleeson’s men will have against the Grubbers.
“It’s a healthy change; that’s how much can happen in two years of footy,” Gleeson said.
“If you were to look over the past Torquay teams, every two years there’s been that change.
“We have got some injuries on the list that would play if they were fully fit.
“But we’re pretty confident in the team we’ve put on paper and what they’ve been able to put together throughout the pre-season.”
2017 premiership player Max Hurley (ankle) has been named as an emergency but won’t play, while a decision on whether veteran defender Sam Wormald would play was still to be made on Thursday night.
Among the newcomers that will line-up against the Grubbers are former St Joseph’s star Lucas Anderson, highly-rated Wangaratta Rovers recruit Sam Caruso, ex-Lavington defender Tom Yensch, and Ararat recruit Cooper Heard.
Two-time Les Ash medallist James Darke and key defender Ben McNamara have returned to McCartney Oval, while Kane Loftus is in the mix to make his debut.
Former Geelong Falcon Baxter Mensch, who won the Allthorpe Medal as GFL reserve grade best-and-fairest with Newtown & Chilwell in 2019, is likely to play in the reserves after being named as an emergency.
“He’s got some mates in the club that he went to school with, and he knocks around with,” Gleeson said.
“I think he enjoyed his time (at Newtown & Chilwell); I think he’s trying to get his life settled in regards to work.
“Football has played a big part in his life, but he just wants to put that aside a bit and focus on his work commitments.
“He’s carrying points, but he’ll no doubt get an opportunity.”
Gleeson admits he’s wary of Ocean Grove, with the line-up barely resembling the one which ended the 2019 season.
“There’s only so much homework you can do on the other team,” he said.
“All you can go by is the comments by the coach (Pete Davey) around youth and speed and what comes with that.
“I think we can equal that with our youth and speed.
“Sure, we’ve got some older heads, but we’ve got 11 changes, and most of them carry a bit of leg speed.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
