THE Murray Bushrangers’ injury toll continues to mount with leading TAC Cup goalkicker Daniel Johnston joining a star-studded list on the sidelines for the season.
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Johnston has been ruled out with a back injury, joining Charlie Spargo (shoulder), Floyd Bollinghaus (knee) and Harry Jones (stress fractures) on the long-term list.
All-Australian Ben Paton’s season is in limbo after being struck down by glandular fever.
Johnston leads the goal-kicking with 45 majors and shapes as a big loss as the Bushrangers strive to go deep into September.
“He’s got an issue with his back so he’s been ruled out unfortunately,” coach Leon Higgins said.
“Ben isn’t 100 per cent but he could be a possibility for the finals.
“We haven’t had a great run with season-ending injuries.”
The Bushrangers will finish the home and away series in fifth position regardless of what happens in Sunday’s final round clash against Gippsland Power at Victoria Park.
They have brought in 15-year-old Will Chandler to debut as 23rd man.
“I saw him play for Corowa-Rutherglen in the junior grand final last weekend and he did really well,” Higgins said.
“He’s really composed for a young player, his skills are quite good and he has good speed.
“He’s got all the ingredients to be a good TAC Cup player.”
Yarrawonga’s Ely Smith has been rewarded for some strong form with the Pigeons’ seniors by being recalled while Mooroopna’s Dave Smith also won a spot in the line-up.
“We’ve been a bit patchy over the past month and are keen to play well leading into the finals,” he said.
“I think we match-up OK against Gippsland.
“We’ll be competing with kids with similar attributes as us while Northern Knights probably exposed us with some raw speed.
“It’s an important game as we want to get some system going again with the finals starting next week.”
Geelong Falcons, Oakleigh, Dandenong Stingrays, Sandringham, Murray Bushrangers and Eastern Ranges will play-off in this year’s finals.
Key forward Will Christie will drop back to Wangaratta Rovers for their third grade tussle with Yarrawonga in the qualifying final at W.J. Findlay Oval on Saturday.
The Bushrangers team is:
B, Murray, Garoni, Clarke; hb, Lane, Butts, Donaghey; c, Langlands, Bond, Vandermeet; hf, Wilson, Barzen, Smith; f, Bice, Kelly, Paech; foll, Marriott, Oakes, Hicks; inter, Smith, Bruce, Richards, Beasley, Chandler (23rd).
