YARRAWONGA has resisted the temptation to roll the dice with Craig Ednie for Sunday’s do-or-die final against Wodonga Raiders.
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Ednie hasn’t played since tearing his plantaris tendon against Wodonga on July 2 but has ramped up his training in recent weeks in a bid to make a farewell appearance with the Pigeons.
The five-time best and fairest winner and three-time premiership player has signed to coach Picola league club Rennie from next season, meaning unless the Pigeons can beat the Raiders in Sunday’s first semi-final, Ednie will have made his final appearance in the Ovens and Murray.
Yarrawonga co-coach Chris Kennedy said the Pigeons weren’t prepared to take any risks with the 2006 Morris medallist, who could play in the preliminary final if they advance.
Nick Lawless (knee) will also miss the match against the Raiders but Tyler Bonat (shoulder) will return at John Foord Oval.
Marcus McMillan was named in the Pigeons’ 24-man squad and will be given until Saturday morning to prove his fitness after hobbling from the Albury Sportsground with a calf injury in the second quarter of the Pigeons’ 66-point qualifying final hiding by Lavington.
Wodonga Raiders have included Matt McDonald (ribs), Todd Bryant (work) and Will Donaghey (Murray Bushrangers) in their squad.
Meanwhile, Albury powered up for its second semi-final clash with Lavington at Birallee Park on Saturday by including a pair of premiership stars.
The minor premiers recalled Brayden O’Hara (calf) and Michael Thompson (quad) to take on the Panthers while Aisake O’hAilpin was named despite suffering a hamstring injury in a big final round victory against Yarrawonga.
Tigers co-coach Shaun Daly said O’Hara was certain to return but O’hAilpin and Thompson would need to pass fitness tests on Friday to take their place in the grand final qualifier.
“We will give them until the last minute but we won’t take any risks – if they’re not right, they won’t play,” he said.
Lavington erred on the side of caution with Jono Spina (hamstring) but Will Lenehan (ankle) was named to take on the Tigers despite finishing last weekend’s victory over the Pigeons on crutches.
Adam Butler replaces Spina in the Lavington line-up after sitting out the past two matches with a hamstring complaint.