Jayden Kelly left the Jube in extreme pain last saturday with what looked like a broken wrist. Reports suggest its a liagament issue but either way NFC insiders are suggesting it will be 2 to 3 weeks before the triple LJ Medallist is back in action. Kelly has had an outstanding season and may well have been on the way to a 4th medal. Whether a 2-4 weeks absence will ruin his chances will not be known until the 8th September.
Out also from the kennel is 7 goal hero Shane Dalby (pictured). Brett Johnson returns to the midfield and with Codie Howard, Quinton Beavan and Eddy Morgan all in fine form South will still need to bring their A game.
South lose Tom Billings again (still yet to play against North's) and Todd Shapter after a 3 goal game last week is also out.
Simon O'Brien will make a last minute pitch for a GF spot after 8 goals in the Reserves last week.
On paper this looks like another classic North v South encounter.
Across town both Central and West have a half a dozen in's for the "wooden spoon" match. The Pies must win or their spoon collection gets oner bigger.
The Pies welcome back, McClure, Sullivan, A Mitchell, Nash, Christie, Jelbert, Carrett and don't be surprised to see a Farcich, Brenton Zanette or both at the Jube on Saturday
The Robins fare just as well with Nadan, Pettitt, Perkins, Bates & H Grose leading the returning Robins.
West have a two game buffer and a win will seal 3rd place with neither side appearing capable of beating South or North...atleast in the minor round where work rosters have taken their toll all year.
For the Pies its win Saturday and again in Round 18 at the Memorial Oval to draw level on points. At the moment percentage favours the Pies but both sides have copped a flogging or two this year so should the Pies win, rounds 17 & round 18 will become vital in keeping potential losses to a small amount.
The Umpires Appointments Board has named 3 field umpires per game on the back of the return of Richard Mclean and Bill Bergamn to their ranks.
Craig Burke joined the Umpires early in 2014 as a Boundary Umpire and has since worked his way onto the field and up through the age divisions to make his A grade debut on Saturday.
Last Modified on 07/08/2014 22:44