Newton’s sister, Kristy, will marry at Gapsted on Saturday afternoon and while Magpie officials were hopeful the former Melbourne big man could play some part in the match, he was ruled out on Thursday night.

Newton has kicked 14 goals in the opening three rounds and his absence will be a huge blow to Wangaratta’s chances of remaining undefeated.

Yarrawonga and Wangaratta are the only two undefeated clubs in the competition heading into the final match of round four.

The Magpies have beaten Lavington, Wangaratta Rovers and Wodonga Raiders while the home team has countered Myrtleford, North Albury and Wangaratta Rovers.

Former North Melbourne player Ben Speight comes back in for Wangaratta while Yarrawonga has regained big guns Marcus McMillan and Tim Cooper. Lachie Howe has dropped out of the Pigeons’ side with Collingwood VFL commitments.

Magpies coach Dean Stone backed his charges to handle the pressure of the occasion.

“Yarra presents our toughest test yet but we back what we have done and implemented and we will go in with confidence,” he said.

“Like anything, if you don’t bring your A game you will probably get knocked off.

“They move the ball slickly and are a big, strong-bodied side.

“We will need to be sharp and execute well. If we give it back, we will get punished.”

Wangaratta vice-captain Matt Hedin underwent a knee reconstruction on Wednesday after injuring his knee in the round-one clash against Lavington.

“He was happy with it and the surgeon said it went well,” Stone said.

Meanwhile, North Albury youngster Joe Hodgkin is waiting for scans to determine the seriousness of his knee injury. Hodgkin was injured after tangling with good friend and Albury player Michael Duncan during Tuesday’s Anzac Day match.