Bell Post Hill is facing the prospect of being without the talented Will Kerrins for the remainder of the GDFNL season after suffering a leg fracture in last week’s win over Winchelsea.
The interleague representative was due to undergo an MRI scan today (Friday) to determine the extent of the damage suffered in a tackle.
The concern for the Panthers is whether Kerrins has also suffered any ligament damage, which could potentially end his season.
Coach Ash Witney says the 25-year-old has had a significant influence at Myers Reserve since arriving from Heathmere in the state’s southwest, making 77 senior appearances since 2021.
“He’s a huge part of the footy club,” Witney said.
“There are a few of those Portland boys that are driving the culture at the footy club now; they’re ripping blokes.
“When I went back and coached, Dyl (Witney) said to me, ‘You’ll love those Portland boys because they’re made of the right stuff’.
“So he’s a big loss for the side with his leadership and that stuff out on the ground”
Sitting fifth on the ladder, Bell Post Hill is well positioned for a quick return to finals after a rare September holiday last year.
Victory over Bannockburn tomorrow at Myers Reserve will give the Panthers one more win than the six they recorded for the entire 2024 season.
Four points clear of both Inverleigh and Anakie, who do battle this weekend, a loss would likely see Bell Post Hill drop out of the five on percentage.
“Every game’s an eight-point game this year,” Witney said. “I’m just going to go with that mindset and mentality.
“Bannockburn is a good footy club; they’ve got a lot of pride, and they’re coached well.
“We’ll be expecting a tough game, definitely on Saturday.
“They’ve still got some good players running around.”
Offsetting the loss of Kerrins is the return of Sam Quinn from suspension and Lachie Wilson from a broken leg.
Tyler Edwards has been omitted.
Bannockburn welcomes back key defender Tom Bath, but will be without star Rob Maibaum, who is battling a groin injury.
Captain Jack Fiolet and big man Mason Dickson are among four inclusions for Inverleigh ahead of a crucial clash with Anakie at Inverleigh Reserve.
Hawks coach Chris Moore has recalled Ethan Clohesy from the reserves, with under-18s graduate Cam Sewell to play his first senior game since Round 13 last year.
Veteran recruit Guy O’Keefe (calf), Billy McIntosh (concussion protocol), Dan Grozdanovski (unavailable), and Beau Metcalfe go out of the team that defeated Geelong West last week.
The Roos have made five changes.
Matt McLachlan, Blayne Sharp, and Sean Sim are all battling injury, with Jesse Mawson and Robel Ukubamariam also missing.
Former Essendon-listed talent Jayden Davey will play his first game since Round 1, with Alex Gear, Jordan Kavanagh, Braydan Riddell and Paul Ridout also named.
North Geelong will welcome back big man Tom Davis after a week on the sidelines for the blockbuster clash with Belmont Lions at Winter Reserve.
He replaces Damian Fazio.
The Lions have made four changes.
Co-coach Brent Vermeulen, ruck Shaun Dell, and Nelson Primmer are among the outs due to injury.
Keen to bounce back from its disappointing performance last week, Werribee Centrals have received a boost with the return of Daryl Chesterman, Tate Camilleri and Max Murdock for its must-win meeting with Thomson at Galvin Park.
The Centurions, who have lost Blake Taylor and Liam Robinson and omitted Fletcher Vesty, could fall three games behind fifth spot if they can’t overcome the Tigers.
Thomson has named midfielder Ben Kamaric, with veteran Jackson Macleod listed as an emergency.
East Geelong has made two changes for its clash with Winchelsea as it aims to consolidate its spot inside the top three.
Paddy O’Brien-Henderson returns after missing last week’s win over Anakie, while Ross Symonds has been promoted from the reserves for his first senior appearance in 12 months.
They replace the unavailable Jacob Nolan, while Jay Skate has been omitted.
Two-time Whitley medallist Matt James returns for Corio as it prepares to take on Geelong West in The Shaka Project Cup match-up at Shell Reserve.
He replaces the unavailable Brady Hercus Quince.
More to come
X: @krockfootball
