BEYOND THE BOUNDARY PODCAST – JUNE 18
Barwon Heads will be without Cooper Ward for the remainder of the Bellarine season, with the Werribee-listed forward likely to undergo surgery on a syndesmosis injury.
Ward, who started the season with GFNL club St Joseph’s before returning to Howard Harmer Oval, had kicked three goals before being forced from the ground during the third quarter of last week’s crucial win over Drysdale.
“He was limping pretty badly, but we thought it was a bit of a rolled ankle or something like that,” coach Sam Schaller said.
“But after having some scans through Werribee, it’s turned out to be a nasty syndesmosis.
“So, probably surgery for Coop and looking at three months out.”
The Geelong Falcons graduate had kicked seven goals in three matches since returning to Barwon Heads.
“He’d got to that point on the weekend where he started to feel really comfortable within the group again, and he was playing some really good footy,” Schaller said.
“He’s already reached out about wanting to stay involved and helping out, so we’ll lean on that for sure.”
Barwon Heads has made three changes for its Battle of the Breaks clash with Torquay.
Sammy Baker is unavailable, while Lachie Blacket will make his Geelong Falcons debut on Sunday.
Sonni Walter has been recalled from the reserves, Noah Young will play his first senior game in more than 12 months, while Ryan Harvey has been named, having not played since the Seagulls’ upset grand final win over the Tigers in 2022.
Torquay welcomes back former Leopold star Ollie Tate and big man Mackenzie Burns, with Angus Hanley added to an extended bench.
Jesse White is the only confirmed out for the Tigers, who can open a two-game gap on Barwon Heads inside the top five with victory.
Ladder leaders Geelong Amateur will be without experienced duo Joe Maishman and Jack Pickering for its meeting with Newcomb at Grinter Reserve.
The injured pair have been replaced by Archer Jacques and Tom Baker.
The Power have replaced Corey Ogle, Oliver Poulson, Caleb Morrissy with Nathan McDonald, Jesse Pardo, and Jude Poyser.
Drysdale will welcome back veteran defender Tim Delaney and promoted Quinn Taylor for his first senior game since the 2023 grand final for its blockbuster clash with Queenscliff at Drysdale Recreation Reserve.
Jack Preece has been managed, while Mitch Clark has been omitted.
The Coutas have lost Jordan Monahan to the Falcons, with Jonas Seecamp earning a recall from the reserves.
Portarlington has been strengthened by the inclusion of gun ruck Scott Greenhough as it chases a fifth win of the season for the first time since 2015 when it meets Modewarre at Ron Evans Oval.
He replaces Nick Lane (managed).
The Warriors have included Michael Harper and Connor Joseph in their squad.
Ocean Grove has been boosted by the inclusion of captain Cam Fowler, Harry Cashin, Rory Phillips, and Jai Hale for its meeting with Anglesea at Ray Menzies Oval.
They replace veteran Glenn Campbell, who is unavailable, with Zane Kneenone, Lachie Allan, and Jai Belcher.
James Gray and Beau Condon replace Max Virgona (ankle) and Dale Kerr (plantar fascia).
X: @krockfootball
