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Huntly coach Dennis Grinton has conceded star midfielder Ryan Semmel is a doubtful starter for Saturday’s HDFNL blockbuster against Leitchville-Gunbower.
Semmel injured his leg late in the inter-league clash with Geelong District last Saturday.
“Ryan’s going to have a test in the morning, but at this stage I doubt he’ll be playing,’’ Grinton said.
“He got a corkie last week and it looks like he might have to miss this game.”
Semmel’s likely absence comes on top of a groin injury to Jack Daley. The former Golden Square midfielder will miss a month.
“It would be nice to have two of our better midfielders playing against a quality side like Leitchville-Gunbower, but that’s the way it is,’’ Grinton said.
“It gives an opportunity for someone else to step up.”
Grinton said the undefeated Hawks welcomed the challenge of playing the reigning premier.
“We might be on top of the ladder, but Leitchville-Gunbower is still the team to beat,’’ Grinton said.
“We’re realistic about where we’ve come from and where they’ve come from. The names haven’t changed much from last year and they know what it takes to win big games.”
The Bombers have been strengthened by the return of premiership trio Daniel Couwenberg, Joel Donehue and Tim Lincoln.
Leitchville has won the past seven matches against Huntly.
“It’s a really big game for us,’’ Grinton said.
“We can go 7-0 and take the pressure off as far as not having beaten Leitchville-Gunbower for a few years.
“We’re looking forward to playing a top quality side, so that we can see where sit in the scheme of things.”