Luckless Torquay spearhead Lucas Anderson is facing another stint on the sidelines after suffering a fractured scapula in a collision early in last week’s loss to Queenscliff.
Anderson, who has managed just 11 games since helping the Tigers to the 2023 premiership, admits he considered retirement in the days following the clash with the Coutas.
“I didn’t actually go off until probably two minutes ago in the first quarter, and in my head, I was just, ‘Surely not, surely not’, he recalled.
“I was just praying it was a stinger and it would go away, and it got to just before quarter time, and I literally couldn’t move my arm and just snuck off quietly.
“It got assessed, and it got worse and worse, and I was in some pretty excruciating pain Saturday night and Sunday,
“My mind did wander to a lot of places, but, thankfully, it’s not as bad as we first thought.”
With scans coming back better than expected, Anderson hopes to be back in yellow and black by mid-season.
“I met with a specialist this morning, and it’s not a bad result, really,” he said.
“It’s three to four weeks of immobilisation, and then, hopefully, play six in six, eight weeks.
“The plan this year was to play a couple, rest one, play a couple, rest one, and just try and stay as fresh as I can
“But, with the bye in there, it’s probably only five games (I miss), so I’ll take that.”
Torquay will make three changes for its match-up with Portarlington at McCartney Oval.
Joining Anderson on the sidelines are Cooper Patton, who has undergone surgery on a broken nose, and Lucas Cook (hamstring).
Four-time Les Ash medallist James Darke, Tom Diamond and Hamish McGowan return after missing the loss to Queenscliff.
The Demons will be boosted by the first appearance of former Geelong West stalwart Patrick Eastman, with Kelly Pickard and under-18s graduate Tom Callan also named.
They replace Tom Panuccio, who suffered a quad injury early in the loss to Surf Coast, Josh Jones (unavailable), and Jacob Ball.
Geelong Falcons-listed Lachie Blacket is among two inclusions for Barwon Heads ahead of its meeting with Anglesea at Howard Harmer Oval.
The Seagulls have also promoted Kallum Hinchcliffe, with Jimmy Allen and Joe Fanelli going out of the team that beat Portarlington in Round 1.
The Seas will be boosted by the inclusion of co-captain Dale Kerr and midfielder Noah Collins for the first time this year, while reigning ‘Chooka’ Piec medallist Ayden Gras and Lara recruit Brodie Cambridge are back after missing the narrow win over Newcomb.
Big man Cam Hutchinson (hamstring) is among the outs, with Sam Leeds, Max Simpson and Tyler McLeod omitted.
A shoulder issue will sideline returning defender Jack Leonard as Queenscliff prepares to host Geelong Amateur at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
He’s been replaced by Luke Adam, with last year’s Coutas under-18 captain making his third senior appearance.
Former Grovedale captain Brady Campi will make his first appearance for Modewarre as it chases consecutive wins against Newcomb at Plastercom Oval.
The Warriors also welcome back premiership player Sam Romeril.
Magnus Howells and Paddy Fitzgerald are missing from the team that defeated Ocean Grove last week.
The Power has lodged an unchanged line-up.
Winless Ocean Grove has named debutant Jack Thomson for its meeting with Drysdale at Ray Menzies Oval.
The Geelong Falcon, who battled injury in 2025, is among four inclusions for the Grubbers, who have regained Harry Cashin, named Anton Woods for his first appearance of the season, and promoted Blake Poyser from the reserves.
They replace Jye Walker (hamstring), Nathan Down (arm), Lachie Joyce (soreness), and former captain Joe McDonald (illness).
Co-coach Nick Bourke will play his second game after pulling up well from last week’s return against Modewarre.
The Hawks have lost Ben Fennell and Ricky Reid to injury, replaced by veteran defender Tim Delaney and youngster Quinn Taylor.
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