Bell Park is set to enter a season-defining stretch of games without arguably its most dynamic player.
Forward Jack Sarcevic is overseas for the next month, a period in which the Dragons (4th, 8-4) face sixth-placed Colac, ladder leaders St Mary’s, seventh-placed Leopold and second-placed Newtown & Chilwell.
While acknowledging the absence of Sarcevic, who sits second on the GFNL goalkicking table with 39 majors, is less than ideal, coach James Saker sees a positive for Bell Park.
“What it will do is make us a bit more unpredictable,” Saker said “He’s such a magnet for the ball, and opposition teams know that.
“(Ollie) Bridgewater played last week. (Zach) Lamb will come back in this week.
“We think we’ve got enough talent to still kick a score, but we’ll certainly miss someone of his talent.”
Since losing to Colac in Round 9, the Dragons have recorded three consecutive wins, in which they have kept their opponents to a combined seven goals.
Ahead of this weekend’s return meeting, Saker says the previous clash with the Tigers was a turning point for his team.
“For most of the year, our contest stuff’s been pretty good; we just haven’t been able to put the other elements of the game together – ball movement and team defence,” he said
“No doubt our contest is going to have to be on point this weekend, and if we can absorb their pressure, which is really good, and move the ball a lot better than we did against them last time – I think that’s what we’ve been able to do the last month, and we’ll try and do again this week. and beyond – and they’ll hold us in good stead.”
A win for Bell Park will not only open an eight-point gap on Colac, but it will also keep the Dragons in the hunt for the double chance.
“If we want to keep destiny in our own hands, the next month, it is make or break,” Saker said.
“I think there’s a legitimate chance we can be still a top three team and a legitimate chance we miss finals altogether, and the next month will tell a pretty big story as to how that ends.”
Zach Lamb returns from a concussion suffered in the loss to St Joseph’s.
Colac has included Darcy Lang, Geelong VFL-listed Hunter Wright and experienced big Steve Presani in its squad.
However, they will be without Aaron Walters, Sam Giblett and Leigh Gorwell.
After three appearances in the reserves, former Werribee VFL captain Nick Coughlan has been named for his first senior game with Newtown & Chilwell (2nd, 9-2) as it prepares to take on archrival St Joseph’s (5th, 8-4) at Plan Group Oval.
Coughlan, a former St Kilda rookie, joined the Eagles as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026 season.
The Towners have also named ex-Geelong rookie Oscar Murdoch after he missed the win over Geelong.
Joeys get back Max McLachlan after a battle with syndesmosis, but will be without big man Ed McCoy (foot).
Talented big man Caiden Gardiner will make his return from a serious hamstring injury when Grovedale (8th, 4-8) hosts South Barwon (3rd, 8-4) at Burdoo Reserve.
Werribee VFL-listed Gardiner, who joined Grovedale from Cairns-based club Centrals Trinity Beach in the off-season, hasn’t played since the win over St Albans in Round 2.
The Tigers also get back Tom Gillett, Bailey McDonald and Jak Tute.
A broken jaw has ended the season of Ryan Collins, with Nathan Vassallo, Ned Mahoney and Grayd Murrant omitted.
The Swans have included Andrew Boseley, Dylan Starkie and Jonty Broughton in an extended squad.
Leopold (7th, 6-6) has been forced into three changes for its must-win meeting with Geelong West (10th, 2-10) at Memorial Park.
Mason Williams and Jed Henderson will be on Geelong VFL duty, while gun midfielder Tate Porter is sidelined with an ankle issue.
Former Lara player Max Chambers will make his debut for the Lions, while Lachie McLean and Solomon Harvey have been promoted from the reserves.
The Giants will be without Tanner Lewis, Noah Allen and former captain Bradley Wood.
Titit Nyak returns, and Flynn Eastmure and Ezekiel Rowe have earned senior selection. For Rowe, it’s his first senior appearance since last year.
St Albans (9th, 2-9) has named junior product Bailey Thomas to make his debut among seven changes for its meeting with North Shore (11th, 0-12) at Windsor Park.
The Saints have recalled Tom Caudullo, Ben Wolfenden, Ethan Hobbs, Harry Cockerell, Hunter Dickson and Koby Harris from the reserves.
Matt McKenzie returns to the WAFL, while Rick Munn also couldn’t consider Declan Barbary (calf), Nathan Cole (ankle), Lucas Gray (ankle) and Zac Larkins (illness).
Bailey Coutts and Will Lane have been omitted.
The Seagulls, who welcome back captain Jacob Sammut and the experienced Jordy Purcell, have named Cam Hase for his senior debut.
Hase’s father, Shane, is a four-time North Shore premiership player.
Connor Walmsley, Will Milsome and Michael Spohn are among the outs for the Seagulls.
St Mary’s (1st, 11-1) has the bye.
More to come
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