HENTY is likely to be without livewire forward Ryan Hon for the finals.
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In a savage blow to the Swampies’ flag aspirations, Hon has already been ruled out of Saturday’s second semi-final against Rand-Walbundrie with a knee injury.
Hon missed a month after round 14 before attempting to play in the Swampies most recent match — in round 19 against Brock-Burrum.
The clever goalsneak, who lasted less than a quarter, has since been diagnosed with a meniscus tear.
Henty co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan said the Swampies would more than likely be without their most potent attacking weapon for the finals series.
“If we are lucky enough to make the grand final, Honnie might be available if he passes a fitness test,” O’Sullivan said.
“But we have pretty much ruled him out for the season.
“He will have to go in for a clean-up on the knee at some stage during the off season.
“Whether we strap him up if we make the grand final would be a matter of whether the swelling goes down and how he feels.”
Hon, 22, missed the second half of the 2011 season after having a shoulder reconstruction when playing for Moama.
He also missed from round 12 last year after dislocating his troublesome shoulder.
The classy finisher has booted 30 goals from 11 matches this season.
The Swampies boast an even spread of goalkickers and don’t rely on just one or two players to kick a winning score.
Jason Brown (34), Shannon Terlich (26) and Roy Jaques (10) are all reliable forward options and they have some good support in goalkicking midfielders Heath Ohlin (18) and Sam Murray (17).
“We have had quite a few options in attack this season we can throw around where, previously, we probably have relied heavily on one or two main avenues to goal,” O’Sullivan said.
“I think that has been one of our strengths — that we have been able to keep the opposition guessing who we will rotate through there.
“Our ability to share the load has helped to take a bit of the pressure off everyone.”