Bullocking Wangaratta midfielder Matt Kelly is set to miss at least three of the Pies’ blockbusters against fellow top five outfits after breaking his wrist.
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Kelly can’t remember how he suffered the injury in the third quarter against North Albury last Saturday.
“I know it was a little sore at three-quarter time and then after the game, once I iced it up, that’s when it really started to hurt,” he said last night.
“On Saturday night, I knew something was wrong, I’ve had a broken wrist before and it felt exactly the same.”
I know it was a little sore at three-quarter time and then after the game, once I iced it up, that’s when it really started to hurt. On Saturday night, I knew something was wrong, I’ve had a broken wrist before and it felt exactly the same.
- Matt Kelly
The 30-year-old previous break had also been his left, but in a different spot.
“I don’t know yet (how long I will miss), a minimum of four to six (weeks),” he said.
“I’ll find out more next Friday after an appointment at the hospital.”
Kelly played a pivotal role in last year’s grand final win over Albury, with his ferocious charges from stoppages and booming right foot setting up a number of attacking raids.
However, he admits he’s not playing at the same level.
“Not great, not too bad, I probably didn’t get as much pre-season under my belt as I did last year and with work (as a builder), we’ve got extremely busy,” he said.
Kelly is one of four changes for Saturday’s home clash against Myrtleford with VFL big man Jade Cleeland omitted after a quiet game.
Elsewhere, Wodonga Raiders continue to make major changes.
The second-placed outfit has made another five, albeit Dylan Clarke and Jake Bradshaw are returning to the TAC Cup.
Ethan Boxall has been promoted, while it will be interesting to see Matt Neagle’s development over the coming weeks after he starred in a Young Guns rep game.
Albury has made six changes for its home game against Wangaratta Rovers.
Four players are injured, including big man Dean Heta with a back complaint.
Forward Jackson Carmody will make his debut, while Joel Mackie returns for his first game since Anzac Day following a knee complaint.
Yarrawonga has named Bushrangers’ Ely Smith and Bailey Frauenfelder for the match of the round at home against Lavington.