Kyabram will have anxious moments in the build-up to this Saturday’s GVL elimination final clash against Mooroopna with star crumber Liam Ogden and utility Jackson Griffiths in doubt to take their places.
An ankle injury sidelined Ogden for the second half of last Saturday’s loss to Shepparton in the final home-and-away round.
He will make every effort to get up for this weekend’s cut-throat clash but it is expected to be touch and go.
Griffiths suffered a back injury and couldn’t return after half-time so must also be considered doubtful.
Utility Tom Burnett is also in doubt after his comeback game last Saturday. He left the field limping early in the game and returned later but according to co-coach Corey Carver is also in doubt for this weekend.
Carver said young stars Bohden Learmonth and Nic Jephson, both recovering from injuries, also might be battling to be available.
‘‘We won’t be risking any players who have any fitness doubts,’’ Carver said.
Talented Bendigo Pioneer Archie Watt may also be unavailable due to commitments with the Coates League team.
Carver also revealed ruck ace and captain Zac Norris had declared he would not play at all in 2024 after missing the entire season after shoulder surgery following last season’s grand final.
‘‘He feels he is not ready to return at this late stage and he has run out of time,’’ Carver said.
For this week’s do-or-die final, Carver said he was not getting carried away with Mooroopna’s recent form, which has seen it suffer heavy losses to Kyabram and to non-finalist Seymour last Saturday.
‘‘They rested players last Saturday so we aren’t reading too much into their loss to Seymour,“ Carver said.
‘‘This is a final and different ball game but we’ll be there and having a crack as we always do.“