WANGARATTA coach Judd Porter admits his team has been thrown another huge challenge with four players being ruled out through injury for today’s must-win clash against Corowa-Rutherglen at Norm Minns Oval.
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With the Magpies needing to win to be any chance of reeling in fifth-placed Wangaratta Rovers, Porter will have to do it without Peder Whelan, Jordan Solimo, Jai Canny and Ryan Kervin.
Youngsters Aaron Cheong and Michael Bordignon will push up from the thirds to make their debuts, bringing the total number of senior players used to 41 this season.
Only Myrtleford has used more with 42 while Lavington is equal second on 41.
Porter said the Magpies couldn’t afford to use injuries as an excuse.
“It’s always disappointing to lose players through injury, but it happens to every club and it’s exciting to get the chance to see Cheongy and Bords at senior level,” Porter said.
“They are great young kids and it’s good to have them in the side, it will give the other boys a lift too in such a big game.
“Corowa-Rutherglen’s a proud club and we will need to be on the ball.”
Wangaratta turned in its best quarter of football this season by kicking seven goals to one in the final term against Wodonga Raiders at Birallee Park last weekend with the emergence of Dale Whelan a godsend.
Jarrod Hayse also hit form after battling for touch for most of the season, while David Steer was thrown forward and commanded respect from the Raiders’ defence.
On the other hand, Corowa-Rutherglen is coming off a dismal finish against Yarrawonga with the workload proving too much for David Clark and Tyler Bonat as the match wore on.
While percentage is crucial to Wangaratta, Porter has even considered that possibly as they strive to make up ground on Wangaratta Rovers.
“We just want to win the game,” he said.
“That’s all we have spoken about — we just have to show the effort we did against the Raiders last week.”
