If Newtown & Chilwell are to get on a winning run through the remainder of September and snap a 40-year premiership drought, it will have to do without Dan Lowther.
The Richmond VFL-listed key forward suffered a concussion in a collision with South Barwon defender Jack Driver during the second quarter of the Eagles’ qualifying final loss at Scaada Stadium on Saturday.
Even if the Towners were to progress to the grand final, Lowther wouldn’t have exited the 21-day concussion protocol, with the decider falling on day 20.
It brings a sudden halt to a mixed season for the Lara product in his first year out of the Geelong Falcons program.
Lowther made five appearances for the Tigers before being sidelined with an ankle injury.
He qualified for Newtown & Chilwell’s final series by sitting on the bench for three reserves matches, with the defeat by the Swans his senior debut for the club.
“He would have been better for a game of football under his belt as well,” coach Steve Johnson said on Sunday.
“He’s been setting the track alight, and we couldn’t wait to see him play for us.
“He’d done a lot of hard work, and he’s going to be a very good player in the future.
“Where he ends up, I think maybe a little bit higher than this competition.”
The Eagles will also be sweating on the outcome of injuries suffered by talented youngsters Jett Modola and Jedd Coburn.
Modola was forced from the field with a foot issue, with some concerns he’s suffered Lisfranc damage,
While Coburn is understood to have an ankle issue.
Co-captain Luke Maddock made a successful return from injury in the reserves, while Gennaro Bove was a surprise omission.
“We were pretty ruthless with our selection,” Johnson said.
“We wanted to take a fully fit team in; we just didn’t end with one at the end of the game, unfortunately.
“We’ve got some depth. Our development team, they played yesterday.
“They also were beaten. So, yeah, there’s some good players in that team that can come up and play seniors next week.”
Newtown & Chilwell will face Bell Park in Sunday’s first semi-final as they look to avoid consecutive straight-sets exits.
X: @krockfootball
