Meyer has been ill for several days and couldn’t be considered for the all-important top-three showdown.

His absence will stretch the Raiders big-man department with Jon Ceglar returning to the Murray Bushrangers and their other recognised ruckman Xavier Mardling already out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Coach Corey Lambert promoted young ruckman Luke Visser from the thirds for his debut to help Dean Heta against Yarrawonga’s formidable pairing of Sam Keenan and Steve McKee.

Forward Adam Cook returns from an ankle injury, while Brad Hibberson, Sean Penski and Jack Melrose came into the side at the expense of dropped trio Kyle McNamara, Josh Mildren and Tyson Bradsworth.

Yarrawonga named an unchanged line-up with another victory almost certainly guaranteeing the Pigeons second spot on the ladder.

Albury captain Matt Fowler trained strongly last night and will lead the Tigers into battle against Wangaratta Rovers at the Albury Sportsground.

Despite initial fears he may miss several weeks with a foot injury, the Doug Strang medal contender got through training untroubled.

Jeremy Quade and Scott Bartel came into the line-up for Darcy Judd and Josh Maher.

Wangaratta Rovers will go into the match without Jack Hill who faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a badly injured ankle, while in-form defender Justin Hoggan succumbed to the same problem.

The good news for the Hawks is the return of veteran midfielder Dan McLaughlin who has served a one-match suspension for kicking.

Jim Ivill and Dale Martin were promoted from the reserves.

Teams — page 68