Winchelsea is fearing the worst with Zac Herman, with all signs that a knee injury suffered in last week’s loss to Thomson is a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Coach Ben Moloney says Herman is bracing for up to 12 months on the sidelines.
“He had a scan yesterday and still hasn’t got 100% of the news,” Moloney said.
“But they’re talking ACL at this point, with potentially a bit of other damage.
“He’s waiting to talk to his physio and get all the information before he proceeds any further with the recovery process and what that looks like.”
Herman arrived at Eastern Reserve in the off-season following a six-year break from the game, having played all his football previously at Newtown & Chilwell.
“He’s just brought into the club and really a vocal leader as well in training and game day,” Moloney said.
“He’s someone you stand behind, and you know that he’ll rally the troops and get the boys up and about, which he did really well in the first half last week.
“And then it probably showed when he wasn’t there.”
Rand-Walbundrie-Walla Walla recruit Mitch Thomas, who debuted last week, will assume ruck duties in Herman’s absence.
“He popped in pre-season a couple of times and wasn’t sure if he was going to play,” Moloney said.
“We played him a couple of games in the reserves to get some fitness.
“He played on the weekend and was our best on at the end.
“Mitch is just a big presence as well, like Zach. I think he’s still just getting used to the footy.
“He hasn’t done too much pre-season in terms of training and games, (but) I think he’ll find his feet really quickly.”
Winchelsea will be boosted for its Alan Woodman Cup meeting with Bannockburn at Victoria Park by the return of captain Jordan Huff, former skipper Alex Gubbins, the experienced Tavae Sauni, and Callum Nankervis.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have lost Bailey Alford, Harry Lear and Luke Young to injury, while Ryan Perkins has earned a call-up to the Geelong Falcons.
GDFNL – AT SELECTION – ROUND 6
Unbeaten North Geelong has rushed former Geelong AFL rookie Osca Riccardi into its team for the clash with Anakie at Keith Barclay Oval.
As K rock Football reported on Wednesday, Riccardi, who remains on the Cats’ VFL list, has been cleared from GFNL club Bell Park to the Magpies.
He is one of three inclusions for North, with Paddy Cleary returning and Charlie Farrell to play his first senior games in nearly two years.
They replace Cooper Vaughan (concussion), Jordy Bertucci (hamstring), and Damian Fazio (unavailable).
The Roos have made five changes, including Josh Mawson’s return and Jay Lever’s inclusion for the first time this year.
Sean Sim, Matt Dettman, and Jordy Kavanagh are also back.
Braydan Riddell is the only forced out.
As reported earlier today, Thomson will make at least six changes for the Polly Rankin Shield clash with East Geelong at Richmond Crescent.
The Tigers will also be without Jordy Camm (ankle), Zac Plant (groin) and Lucas Boyd (calf), with Regan Kerslake and Patty Knott unavailable.
The Eagles have named Jack Doyle for his first senior appearance of the season as the replacement for Ben Crombie.
Bell Post Hill will be without key forward Scott Hughes (Achilles) among three changes for its meeting with Inverleigh at Myers Reserve.
However, the Panthers have been boosted by the return of assistant coach Andrew Casey and youngster Henry Verschuren.
Harvey Martin will play his first senior game in nearly 12 months after a strong start to the season in the reserves.
The Hawks have two changes, with debutant Xavier Lewis and vice-captain Jarrod Love replacing Guy O’Keefe (managed) and Cooper Sharrock.
Tyler Crennan will return, and Keegan Gilbert will make his first senior appearance since mid-2024, among two changes for Werribee Centrals ahead of their meeting with Geelong West at Galvin Park.
They replace Damian Williams and Fletcher Vesty.
The Giants have lost Matt Sondergeld to suspension, while veteran Justin Carey and interleague squad member Tom Richmund will be missing, among four changes.
However, Daniel Pollard. Tom Jenkins and Billy Higgins are among the inclusions.
Belmont Lions have named Riley Somers as the replacement for the unavailable Bradley Michell for its annual Reconciliation Round Wadda Wurrung Community Challenge clash with Corio.
The Devils have lodged an unchanged team for the meeting with the Lions, which will start at 1:15pm.
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