There are tough starts to a season, and then there’s what’s confronted St Albans.
The Supersaints have lost their opening two rounds by a combined 183 points as the injury count has continued to rise.
Coach Alex Tortora has been forced to make five changes for this week’s clash with Newtown and Chilwell alone.
Sam Wolfenden (concussion protocol), Hayden Elliott (hamstring), Joel Grigsby (shoulder) and Zac Larkins (hamstring) have entered a medical room already bulging at the seams.
Throw in Bailey Brogden’s unavailability, the long-term injuries for recruits Darcy Jones and Ross Celano, Harry Howorth battling osteitis pubis, and Sam Dongean earning selection at VFL club Northern Bullants, and the depth at Tortora’s disposal is being sorely tested.
“The mark of a strong club really is your depth and when you get tested because, no doubt, most clubs will get tested throughout the year, and we’re being tested right now,” he said.
“We have improved our depth, but they’re all really young players who have come in. We haven’t necessarily topped up with experience or players who have been around a while.
“We are definitely going to be tested in the next few weeks, but all is not lost.
“We think this opens the door for some young players to come in and get a taste and a feel for GFL footy.
“Hopefully, that holds them in good stead as we keep moving forward.”
After debuting under-18 Darcy Storrar last week, local product Ben Gadd and Ocean Grove recruit Nathan Pearson will get their chance this week.
The Supersaints have also promoted Jack Bumpstead and Oli Boothey, while Carisbrook recruit Bradley Horsham returns after missing the loss to Bell Park.
Newtown & Chilwell will rest veteran Matt McMahon as he nears 250 games, with the Diamond brothers, Mitch and Rory, unavailable.
Zach Walter and Flynn Young return for the Eagles after last week’s loss to Colac, with Rhys Devlin promoted from the reserves.
Bell Park will be without Nick Petering (collarbone), recruit Eli Pearce (unavailable) and Isaac Wareham, who is serving the first week of a two-match suspension for an incident in last week’s win over St Albans.
They’ve been replaced by Matt Jones, Ned Payne, and Jackson Gorman for the clash with North Shore at Hamlyn Park.
Tonight, the club announced Winchelsea recruit Jonty Scott would make his debut.
The Dragons are looking to improve to 3-0 for the second consecutive year, but coach James Saker says an impressive start to the season guarantees nothing tomorrow.
“I think our players are getting a lot more mature about that and understanding that it’s not about opposition but more about the way we go about it,” he said.
“I thought we pressured the ball really well against St Albans, and we’re trying to do that again this week against North Shore.
“We lose Petering and Wareham, so it gives some opportunities for some young guys to hopefully come up and grab their opportunities.”
The Seagulls welcome back Campbell Burns and have recalled Bryce Smith from the reserves for Ben McGuinness and Travis Green.
Geelong West could access Geelong VFL player Tanner Lewis after he was left out of the Cats’ team to play Carlton tomorrow.
The Giants face a challenging task against St Mary’s.
The Saints are coming off an impressive 43-point win over reigning premier Leopold but have made four changes.
Star forward Sam Dobson is unavailable, while Nick Connors (ribs), Joe Maishman (quad) and Keidan Rayner (groin) will be sidelined.
Small forward Dion Johnstone and quality midfielder Max Augerinos will play their first senior games for 2024, Brayden Ham will make his second appearance, and junior product Noah Biggs will debut.
“He’s applied himself well and deserves his chance,” co-coach Luke Rayner said.
“It was a popular choice at the announcement of the team last night.
“He’s got high levels of endurance.”
Leopold has added Nic Ash, Riley Hayden and premiership player Daniel Pitcher to its squad for the meeting with Colac at Memorial Park.
The Tigers have welcomed back veteran duo Jarryn McCormack and Ryan Monaghan after they missed the Round 2 win over Newtown & Chilwell.
Lara has added Bailey Ettridge, Jayson Tomicic, and Zekiah Davey to an extended bench for Sunday’s annual Spirit of Anzac meeting with Grovedale at Bisinella Oval.
It is understood Geelong Falcons listed Daniel Lowther and Josh Sanders won’t play for the Cats, and the exciting Cooper Leach is out of the Tigers’ lineup
Grovedale will also be without off-season acquisition Ajoung Maker and Sam Walker both missing.
Goulburn Valley interleague representative Harley McCarthy will make his GFNL senior debut, with Harvey Murrant returning and Sam Radcliffe promoted from the reserves.
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