Bannockburn coach Ron Pilgrim has urged his players to get their hands dirty when their season goes on the line in tomorrow’s meeting with qualifying final-bound Belmont Lions.
A loss for the Tigers on the small confines of Winter Reserve will likely put a stake through the heart of their finals chances, with reigning premier Inverleigh – which hosts the lowly Geelong West – ready to pounce on fifth spot.
“If you’re not prepared to win contested footy, you’re not going to do any good,” Pilgrim said. “We’ve trained for that all week.
“If we don’t win contested footy, we’re not going to win the game.
“They (Belmont Lions) do that very well.”
Star big man Kieran Fulton has exited the concussion protocols Bannockburn placed him in following a collision with teammate Ashton Phillips in the loss to Thomson last month.
However, an overseas trip will delay his return by a week, leaving Josh Kunjka to carry the ruck mantle again.
“He pre-planned a holiday at the start of the year and, unfortunately, couldn’t get out of it,” Pilgrim said.
Bannockburn made one change at selection, bringing back Doug Thomas for the injured Bailey Alford.
The Lions, who will again be without ruck Jed Evans, have regained Dave Allitt and Andy Wylie, with Shaun Jubber recalled for his first senior game since Round 6.
They replace injured duo Josh Allen (ankle) and David Sanzaro (corkie), and the unavailable Nick Sherriff.
GDFNL: AT SELECTION – ROUND 17
A minor hamstring issue will sideline Werribee Centrals captain Daryl Chesterman for the clash with North Geelong at Galvin Park.
The Centurions have made four changes, also losing Jesse Pattison to a hamstring, with Brodie Taylor and Callum O’Malley omitted.
Harley Kilby and Justin Porter return, Ryan Dutson recalled, and reserves captain Luke Speziale will play his first senior game since Round 14, 2022.
The Magpies, who need a win to keep their season alive heading into the final round, have lost Luke Schwennesen to a season-ending knee injury.
He’s been replaced by Dillon Wickham.
North big man Blake Miller is battling illness and is no certainty to take on the Centurions.
Star duo Billie Smedts and Lucas Boyd are back as Thomson made four changes for its meeting with Corio at Shell Reserve.
The Tigers have also recalled Jay Diffey and Jayden Spiteri from the reserves.
They replace Regan Kerslake, Jack Stoneham, Charlie Russell, and Darcy Kelly.
Blake Ash is out of the Devils team that lost to Inverleigh.
Inverleigh welcomes back Ryan Robertson, Billy McIntosh and Jakeb Templeton for its must-win meeting with Geelong West at Morton Power Oval.
They replace the injured Bailey Carubia (leg), Ryan Bell, and Ryan Bell.
The Giants welcome captain Tom Burke, Aaron Hutchison, and Trent Archer back.
However, Brayden Mitchell and Riley Croft are unavailable, and Daniel Craven is battling a hamstring issue.
Debutant Jack Doyle and playing coach Ned Aulsebrook are among four inclusions for East Geelong as it looks to extend its winning streak to 16 against Anakie at Richmond Crescent.
Tim Lee is back after missing last week’s win over Geelong West, while Will Jozipovic will make his first senior appearance since Round 6.
They replace Sam Lowe (managed), Jayden Fanning (calf), Luca Mamone, and Bailey Payne.
The Eagles will celebrate two milestones. Captain John McIntyre will make his 100th appearance in maroon and gold, while it’s game 50 for small forward Zac Smith.
Winchelsea regains star midfielder Cassidy Parishfor its meeting with Bell Post Hill at Myers Reserve.
He replaces Clinton Place following the former captain’s one-off cameo in last week’s loss to Belmont Lions.
The Panthers have regained Sam Harmer and recalled Harry McIntyre for veteran Adrian Fantella and Tyler Edwards.
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