MYRTLEFORD has been dealt a major blow with exciting midfielder Elijah Wales to miss up to a month with a hamstring injury.
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Wales limped off the ground in the second quarter in the Alpine Saints’ surprise loss to Wangaratta Rovers on Saturday with coach Brad Murray expecting a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
“You can’t really take short cuts with a hammy,” Murray said.
“He was looking good so it’s disappointing.
“It could be three or four weeks.
“It threw us out a bit but we just didn’t play well enough and Wangaratta Rovers did.”
Wales was among Myrtleford’s best in the opening round win against Wodonga with the wingman taking arguably the mark of the season in the final term.
Murray said it was vital to bounce back against North Albury at McNamara Reserve on Saturday.
“Saturday was very disappointing,” Murray said.
“What we dished up in first quarter was really poor.
“Our second and third quarters were pretty good but I think we might have run out of a bit of puff playing catch-up.
“We have to look forward though and hopefully we can come out and play well against North Albury.”
Myrtleford will regain unavailable pair Matt Dussin and Fraser Lucas, while Hugh Wales is a week-to-week proposition with VFL club Footscray.
The Hoppers could make up to four changes with Ben Paton and Doulton Langlands (Murray Bushrangers), George Godde (knee) and Jack King (food poisoning) pushing for selection.
Reece Tanner (knee) faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
“Unfortunately Reece looks like he’s done a medial,” coach Jason Akermanis said.
“It could be 10 to 12 weeks which isn’t great news.
“We get a few back though which will help.
“It was disappointing to lose to Lavington, but I don’t think we are too far off.
“There was only five scoring shots the difference.
“We played Myrtleford in the pre-season and that will be another good test for us.”
North Albury captain David Miles is still several weeks away from resuming after undergoing knee surgery in Sweden over the off-season.
Meanwhile, Wodonga look set to regain key duo Jarrod Twitt and Nick Beattie from injury for its match against Wangaratta Rovers at W.J. Findlay Oval.
Beattie had a foot operation at the end of last season and is expected to return through the reserves against the Hawks.
