Newcomb will be without star forward Jack Duke for Saturday’s clash with Ocean Grove after accepting a one-match suspension following an incident in last week’s loss to Queenscliff.
The reigning Bellarine leading goalkicker was cited for striking Couta Jonas Seecamp in the second quarter of the clash at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
AFL Barwon’s Match Review Panel assessed the incident as intentional conduct, contact to the body, and medium impact, drawing a two-match sanction.
However, an early guilty plea will see Duke return for the meeting with Barwon Heads in Round 16.
Since arriving at Grinter Reserve from Avoca ahead of the 2022 season, he has kicked 180 goals from 64 games, including an equal-season high five in the Round 4 win over the Grubbers.
Duke kicked 71 goals last year – the best return by a Newcomb player since Leigh Morrison finished with 98 in 2006.
A win over Ocean Grove will ensure the Power avoids the wooden spoon, with the Grubbers likely to ‘win’ the unwanted kitchem utensil for the first time in 54 years.
X: @krockfootball
