North Ballarat is set to field as many as eight Kangaroos on Sunday, as Werribee’s stocks have taken a significant hit.
The Tigers will have just four North-listed players at their disposal, after the promotion of Daniel Currie, Jamie Macmillan and Mason Wood to AFL ranks.
The do-or-die Elimination Final will pit the club’s two VFL affiliates against one another, but there’s much more at stake for those pushing for a senior call-up.
Neither side will take a step back.
“That’s footy isn’t it? I’m sure nothing malicious will go on, but they’ll be pretty hard at it, no doubt,” Senior Development Coach Gavin Brown said.
Robbie Nahas will play his first game for two months, no doubt eager to give himself a chance of a North recall.
But he won’t have it all his own way, the livewire forward a strong chance to be manned by fellow Kangaroo and recognised stopper Taylor Hine.
“There’s a very good chance that will happen. That’ll be a really interesting duel to look out for,” Brown added.
“Hiney’s very good at helping his other defenders when he can come off his opponent, while Robbie’s really good at recognising that too.
“It will be a bit of a game of cat and mouse. It’s going to keep Hiney pretty honest if he does pick him up.”
Hine (foot) is in some doubt though, hoping to prove his fitness before Sunday.
For the Roosters, Joel Tippett has recovered just in time from a calf injury to take his place in the back half.
During his time at VFL level this year, Tippett consistently turned in quality performances. Alongside Max Warren, he’ll look to restrict Werribee’s scoring opportunities.
Their job will be made a little easier with the likes of Wood, Ben Brown and Majak Daw all missing after significant time in attack at Werribee this year.
Werribee-aligned Kieran Harper could be handed a role on North team-mate Brad McKenzie as he was earlier in the year.
The pair possessing very different but equally as dangerous assets; Harper’s pace vital for Werribee, with McKenzie’s lethal left foot a weapon for North Ballarat.
Scott McMahon and Tim McGenniss will be the only other Kangaroos in Werribee colours.
McGenniss appears likely to perform his tagging duties on a fellow Kangaroo - Trent Dumont and Liam Anthony the most likely candidates.
The game will be televised live on ABC for viewers in Victoria.
Werribee v North Ballarat
Sunday 31st August
North Port Oval
2:10pm
Werribee’s Kangaroos (possible)
- Kieran Harper
- Scott McMahon
- Tim McGenniss
- Taylor Hine
North Ballarat’s Kangaroos (possible)
- Max Warren
- Brad McKenzie
- Mitch Wilkins
- Robbie Nahas
- Eric Wallace
- Liam Anthony
- Trent Dumont
- Joel Tippett
