South Barwon is facing the prospect of making up to five changes for its traditional Anzac Day meeting with St Joseph’s after losing more than just the four points against Bell Park.
The Swans, who were jumped by the Dragons and trailed by 26 points at quarter time, before being on the wrong end of a 12.10 (82) to 7.11 (53) scoreline, were without a bench after quarter time.
Captain Matt Caldow (back), ruck Ben Kellett (ankle), defender Jai Hobson (foot), Ocean Grove recruit Rory Phillips, and young gun Zach Stevens were among the casualties.
“Rory Phillips, unfortunately, had one of those incidents that you don’t want to have,” coach Mark Neeld said
“He copped a fair bump and then tried to take off. It appears as though he’s finished with a ruptured eardrum and a strained hamstring.
“Zach Stevens was involved in an incident when he took a mark; there was contact made, and he had to come from the ground.
“He’s extremely sore. He’s got, at the very least, a severe corked hamstring, buttock, back.”
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However, Neeld wasn’t using the injuries as an excuse for the loss.
“Bell Park started the game in exceptionally good fashion,” he said
“Their first quarter was as good a first quarter as what most of us have seen in the GFNL.
“They won the stoppages, their work around the contest was terrific, and we couldn’t find an answer for a couple of their forwards.
“The game was essentially finished at quarter time.”
Fortunately for Neeld and South Barwon, there is no shortage of talent in the reserves, as the Swans look to end a 13-year Anzac Day drought.
Taylor Mulraney, Ethan Borys, Chris Hughes, Austin Shepherd, Harry Cunningham, Max Mawson, Wil Bennett, Taj Hinkley, and the Elzinga brothers, Leigham and Jaxon, will all come under consideration after the Swans’ seconds waltzed to a 107-point win.
X: @krockfootball
