The Storm go into the game without injured star forwards Sam Mildren and Stephen Milne and number one ruckman Michael Pilcher (suspension).

“We’ve had to go without them (Mildren and Milne) at other occasions this year… we’re not going to play injured blokes,’’ Wilson said.

“Milney ankle is not right. Because we have the bye next week we’re not taking any risks with them.

“An old AFL coach once said “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” and that’s the philosophy we’re taking.

“We haven’t panicked all season and played injured players, if it hurts us this weekend then so be it.”

The Storm’s absentee list for Saturday’s game is extensive. Mildren, Milne, Tom Bartholomew, Michael Pilcher, Jayden Donaldson, Nick Smith, Matt Johnston, Ash Trollop, Ben Lester, Luke Marchesi  are all expected to return to senior footy this year.

“You can say that we’re depleted, but we’ve also got some very handy additions this week,’’ Wilson said.

“Kane Airdrie and David Gallagher come back in. Airdrie was probably our best up until he was injured and Gallagher wasn’t far behind. We’ve missed his stoppage work.”

Sandhurst has done little wrong this season and Wilson expects the Dragons to come out firing on Saturday.

“Sandhurst is a very good side. They’ve got some great running players,’’ Wilson said. “The boys they’ve added this year have made them into a very dangerous unit.

“The pace Sandhurst generates off half-back is impressive. Our aim is to keep hold of the ball and not give Sandhurst that time and space to run.”

In Pilcher’s absence, youngster Tyler Romeril will carry the ruck load with support to come from regular key defender Leigh Prior.

Even though a Strathfieldsaye defeat would reignite the race for top spot, the Storm should retain the number one spot for the remainder of the season.

However, a Strathfieldsaye defeat would be a body blow to fourth-placed Eaglehawk in its bid to pinch a double chance berth from Sandhurst or Golden Square.

The Hawks, who have little margin for error when it comes to finishing top three, play South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval on Sunday.

Eaglehawk handed South Bendigo a 17-goal hiding when they met in round one, but the Bloods have improved markedly since then.

The tighter confines of Harry Trott Oval will also make life tougher for the Hawks.