Three of South Bendigo’s best players – Aaron Connaughton, Michael Leech and Shaun Bergin – are in serious doubt of figuring again in the Bendigo Football League’s finals series.
Bloods’ coach Rick Coburn last night declared Bergin and Leech were facing a race against time to be able to play in September.
A 38-point loss to Eaglehawk in last Saturday night’s qualifying final and a rising injury toll has rocked the Bloods’ chances of winning this year’s premiership.
Leech tore his right hamstring in the loss to the Hawks, and Bergin hurt an AC joint after landing heavily in a marking contest.
“At this stage they are unlikely to play again this season,” Coburn said in the lead-up to Sunday’s battle with Maryborough.
“Both will be doing all they can to get back.” He conceded the loss of both was a huge blow, but did not mean premiership hopes were gone.
Leech’s versatility, and Bergin’s skill in midfield played a big part in South’s winning streak of 17 matches.
Both sustained major injuries in last September’s finals campaign.
A shoulder injury forced Bergin to be sidelined for the grand final clash with Golden Square.
Leech sustained serious facial injuries in a marking contest of the first quarter.
He took no further part in the game as Golden Square kicked away to win the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup.
Despite the injury woes, Coburn is positive about the Bloods’ chances in Sunday’s showdown with the Shane Fisher-coached Maryborough and beyond.
“Our depth will be tested this week, but we have some quality players available for selection this week, and others who have been pressing for a recall in the seconds, who are also in the finals,” Coburn said.
Small forward Steven Stroobants will be available to play in the first semi-final.
The Bloods’ leading goalkicker on 45 goals, Stroobants was in the Bendigo Bombers team for last weekend’s VFL elimination final.
Mildura’s Jayke Barrack is also in the running to mark a return to South Bendigo’s senior team.
Barrack’s first match for the Bloods was in the round 14 win on Maryborough’s turf at Princes Park.
A calf injury put the Bendigo Pioneers young gun on the sidelines for several weeks, but he was back in action in last Friday night’s TAC Cup elimination final at Craigieburn.
“Jayke can play on any line, and played really well against Maryborough a few weeks ago,” said Coburn.
After starting the finals on a disappointing note, Coburn said the Bloods were primed to fight back.
“Maryborough is a huge challenge. They played well to beat Sandhurst, and we know it’s going to be a great test for us.
“We have beaten Maryborough twice this season, but had also done the same against Eaglehawk.
“Finals prove anything can happen. We have to be on our game from the start this Sunday.”
Week two of the BFL finals series kicks off Saturday when the Nick Carter-coached Golden Square tackles the Derrick Filo-coached Eaglehawk in the seniors second semi-final from 6.30pm at the QEO.
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