No retirement plans for decorated Twitt

The decorated Wodonga veteran will likely have surgery after getting his thumb caught in a tackle on Saturday against Corowa-Rutherglen at John Flower Oval.

With just four games left before finals – Wodonga is no guarantee to make the top five - it’s season over, but not career over, for the 36-year-old midfielder.

“At this stage I’m playing on," Twitt said.

“I didn’t want to just come back for one year.

“I’ll be there for pre-season and if there’s still a job for me on-field, I’ll do it.”

Twitt suffered his injury early in the second quarter on Saturday, playing no further part in the 56-point win.

He initially thought he’d dislocated his thumb.

“It’s right at the base of my thumb and it was just all mushy,” Twitt said.

“I was just trying to tackle a guy and my thumb got caught around his waist.

“At this stage it looks like I’ll have to have a pin inserted and straighten it up.”

Twitt has played 12 of 14 games this season since returning to the club after four years coaching Holbrook in the Hume league.

The former Wodonga coach and premiership player, who’s regarded as one of the O and M club’s finest ever players, has loved his time back at the John Flower Oval.

But he hasn’t loved ribbing from teammates about his thumb injury.

“If I get another Emoji thumbs up I’m going to really lose it,” Twitt laughed.

“I’ve really enjoyed the year. 

“(The injury) is a chance for a young fella to get some games in.

“The plan was to try and get 7-8 wins and we’re on track for that.”

Making Wodonga's win over the Roos even more pleasing for the club, was the fact that it came without veterans Daniel Bradshaw and Ben Hollands.

But Hollands and Bradshaw should be fit for this week’s clash away to Albury.

The Tigers will be without Elliott Powell, who had knee scans on Monday, while Mark Bush is also ruled out because of a broken hand.

As well as Bush, Albury was also missing Michael Thompson and Alex Goodall against Wodonga Raiders.

The Raiders have the week off before facing Lavington after the split round.

Matt Murray, Stewart Williams, Ethan Boxall and Matt Neagle all missed the 83-point loss to the Tigers.

And coach Daryn Cresswell admitted that team cohesion was hurt because of several personnel changes.

“Having two out injured and then two to the Bushies tested our depth a bit,” Cresswell said.

“I know we get Matty and Boxy back because they’ve (Murray Bushrangers) got a bye when we play Lavington.

“Stewie Williams will be back, Matty Murray probably not.

“I think (Dion) Munkara will be available for that game which will be a plus, because our execution by foot was pretty bad.” 

Despite the loss, the Raiders stay third on the ladder.