It’s a story as old of time in local footy, come the depths of June and winter, the medical room begins to burst at the seems with a litany of injuries across the four sides.
However between forced and voluntary absences, it’s provided opportunity for some popular moves between the sides ahead of this weekend.
THIRDS: VS MONASH BLUES - FREASON OVAL - 4.15PM
After being the first game of last week, the Thirds wrap up the Saturday this week with a trip to Clayton to take on the Monash Blues.
Several changes across the field see a much different side to the one that valiantly clawed back in the last quarter to overrun St. Mary’s Salesian last weekend.
A total of six changes, including two club debuts, with the returns of earlier season regulars Cam Muratore and Vinnie Brigante headlining. Muratore will start at half back whilst Brigante will begin from the bench.
Adham Saab, after only recently joining the club, will make his debut this weekend alongside Drew Ashton, both will also start on the bench.
Thommo Bent heads on to a wing, flanking a positional change of clearance king Srey moving inside and on-ball.
Meanwhile Will Taylor ditches the headphones and the magnets to resume his playing role after his successful “coaching” stint last weekend.
women: vs brunswick fc - bennettswood reserve - 9.20am
The women kick off the day at home against the re-graded Brunswick FC, a side who has only one once on their drop from the higher division.
J Clancy, Ingrid Cain, and Chloe Woolley will all spend extended time out due to injuries suffered in the heroic win last weekend up north in Preston.
Sam Hogarth moves back to fullback as a result after starting forward last week, with vice-captain Maddy Mazar back in to the 22 after missing last weekend.
Caity Power taking over on the wing is the only change made to a midfield group, with Power expected to deliver just that in the free-roaming role
Up forward, Nyari Gryzb returns after missing last week, and will look to fill the small forward role vacated by Clancy’s absence.
Hayley Lim also returns to the side via the bench.
reserves: vs elsternwick - bennettswood reserve - 11.40am
The Animals twos will look to seek revenge for last year’s preliminary final loss in Sandringham when the ‘Wicks come to town.
In a boost, four popular promotions from the Thirds have been made for the clash, with Aman “Junior” Singh, both Lochie and Layton Sketcher, and Jordy Rodda all given Reserve debuts.
In Singh’s first year of football, his effort and willingness to impact the play have impressed everyone at the club, and his shock win of the Thirds training goal kicking comp earning him a move forward was not the last of his shock moves.
The Sketchers have been building an impressive portfolio of work for the Thirds in 2024, especially Lochie. The smaller of the pair forming a dangerous midfield combination with one elite ruck in Checkers, will look to do the same with newly-annointed captain Sean “Spider” Bourke.
Meanwhile for Rodda, it’s a return to the Reserve fold he hasn’t played in since 2019, where he injured his ankle playing against Parkside in the opening game of the Men’s season. His elite ball use and vision will be an asset sorely needed for the Reserves.
Both Oskar Godde and James Greaves retain their spots after being elevated last weekend, whilst a schedule clash sees Fletcher Cooper drop back from the Seniors allowing him to fill a height gap up front.
seniors: vs elsternwick - bennettswood reserve - 2pm
A Senior side looking to put a disappointing night time loss to Bulleen-Temp behind them will do so with the first ever President-Vice President combo in Animals history.
President Cam Gardner and Vice-President Tom Clarke will both line up in the square, with Gardner’s impressive Reserves season seeing him rewarded with his call up.
Clarke’s return from holiday could not have been better timed with Fletcher Cooper’s absence from the senior fold this week, whilst Ben Collins moves inside from the wing to cover Bailey Hunt’s injury.
Up front Mitch Lamb has earned an immediate senior recall after an impressive outing in the Reserves comprehensive win last weekend at Ted Ajani, whilst Cam Price and Jimmy Moran will join the bench after also being elevated.
