Federal co-coach Steve Fouracre will miss at least a month after straining his pectoral muscle in last weekend’s thrashing of reigning premiers Corryong.
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Fouracre was wrong-footed, but threw his arm out in an attempt to tackle and instantly felt a sharp pain.
After fearing the worst, scans revealed there was no tear, which will allow Fouracre to return for the second half of the season.
Co-coach Gerard Midson knows it could have been a lot worse, but is confident he has the depth to cover the key loss.
“We were worried that it was a tear, it probably would have been the season if that was the case,” he said.
“Especially with what it was with (Sydney Roosters’ star) Mitchell Pearce, which was a 16-week job.
“He (Fouracre) was probably our best player on the weekend until he got hurt.
“He’ll be missed on the field, but he’ll be there helping out with the off-field stuff and working with the younger guys.
“Last year I would have worried with losing someone of that calibre, but this year we’ve got the guys who can step up and fill that void.”
The Swans thumped Corryong by 126 points, but Midson said it counts for nothing if they don’t back it up against Cudgewa on Saturday.
Nathan Lefoe’s Blues’ oufit were also big winners in round one, dismantling Tumbarumba by 104 points, which, incredibly, was the smallest winning margin of the three games.
Forwards Brendan McEvoy (eight goals) and Lachlan Whiteley (six goals) dominated throughout, but Lefoe is conscious of getting the match-ups right against Federal, particularly in the midfield.
“We have a few big forwards to work through and kick a few goals to get a good score on the board,” Lefoe said.
“McEvoy has got a lot of experience up forward and Whiteley is another tall option up there.
“He’s a young up and comer, but he’ll be handy with a few more senior games under his belt.
“We’ve got guys that work hard every game and are always solid performers in Yarrod Hamilton, James McInerney, Luke Bloom and Mitchell Pynappels was in our bests as well.
“I can’t really take too much away from that, but it’s probably going to be a tight one with Federal.”
After thrashing Border Walwa in round one, Bullioh hosts Corryong, while the Magpies travel to face Tumbarumba.