NEW Corowa-Rutherglen coach Bryce Campbell has been struck down by hamstring troubles and is no certainty to play in round one.
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Campbell is facing an uphill battle to be fit for the Roos’ first round clash with Wangaratta on April 12.
The former SANFL star won’t play at all this pre-season.
“It’s a concern, obviously, but I’m pretty confident I’ll be right for round one,” Campbell said.
“That’s definitely the aim.
“I just need to manage it a bit better.”
The star midfielder has barely played since undergoing a knee reconstruction back in 2012.
Campbell, who played more than 100 SANFL games, was starting to gain momentum on the comeback trail at Norwood late last season before making his shock decision to move back to the Riverina.
He accepted the vacant Corowa-Rutherglen coaching job soon after.
Campbell’s absence in round one would be a huge blow, with both the Pies and Roos eyeing a return to finals this year.
In better news, Corowa-Rutherglen has further added to its fast-improving depth on the eve of the season by landing athletic half-forward Michael Kinsella.
Kinsella, 25, has played at Lakes Entrance, St Albans and Heidelberg previously but only recently committed to returning to football full-time.
He will travel from Melbourne with Roos’ onballer Sean Kelly each week.
Kelly added plenty of grunt to Corowa-Rutherglen’s midfield last season after following former coach Adrian Pavese from Queanbeyan.
He has opted to stay at John Foord Oval, despite Pavese’s departure.
The Roos head to Euroa for a practice match late this afternoon.