STAND-in Wangaratta coach Michael Newton has declared himself a certainty to play in Saturday’s qualifying final against Yarrawonga at W.J. Findlay Oval.
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Newton has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring against Wodonga on July 29 and has erred on the side of caution in his recovery.
Veteran backman Judd Porter is also on track to play after injuring his hip in the warm-up in round 17.
“I could have played the last two matches and would have if they were do-or-die,” Newton said.
“We weighed it up last week against Corowa but decided to take any risk out of it.”
Newton took over as coach of Wangaratta against Corowa-Rutherglen last weekend with Dean Stone suspended and will call the shots again if his appeal fails in Melbourne on Tuesday night.
Wangaratta came through the weekend’s round unscathed and has been considerably strengthened by midfielder Nick Richards’ return from the Murray Bushrangers.
Richards has been outstanding in wins over Myrtleford and Corowa-Rutherglen in the past fortnight.
“Nick is a good young player,” Newton said. “He adds some class around the midfield.
“He’s a ball winner and gives us leg speed.”
Yarrawonga will have a full list with the possible exception of ruckman Lachie Howe playing with VFL club Collingwood.
Lavington also look set to make two big inclusions for Sunday’s elimination final against Wodonga Raiders at Albury Sportsground with Brant Dickson and Will Lenehan close to returning from hamstring injuries.
The only fresh injury concern for the Panthers is exciting forward Marty Brennan.
He rolled his ankle in the third quarter at Birallee Park last weekend and will be assessed later in the week.
“He should be OK with the extra day,” coach James Saker said.
“Hopefully we get a couple back as well.”
