“I have a university study tour in Madrid for a couple of weeks, which is pretty inconvenient timing, but at the same time a great experience,” Morey texted last night.

“I’ll be keeping a close eye on the boys and hoping they can make it through until I’m back.”

The 22-year-old is studying a master of sport science (football performance).

In a remarkable coincidence, Morey will look to do what Wangaratta’s Josh Porter did last year.

Porter spent the second half of the season studying in the US, but returned in time for the preliminary final.

Morey actually played on the boom forward, who took two sterling marks in the final term to win the game.

The miserly backman has played six games since rejoining the Pigeons from Melbourne outfit, Strathmore.

The Pies sealed a fairytale season with a stunning upset of Albury in the grand final.

Unlike Wangaratta though, which finished in the top three after the regular season, the Pigeons will almost certainly have to make the penultimate match via the elimination final.

If second-placed Wodonga Raiders beat North Albury on Saturday, as expected, it will consign Yarrawonga to the sudden death clash against Lavington at Corowa’s John Foord Oval on Sunday, September 2.

If they win, the Pigeons will then contest the first semi-final against the loser of the Raiders-Wangaratta qualifying final.

Morey is the only change for Saturday’s away match of the round against Lavington, with VFL ruckman Lach Howe replacing him.

Meanwhile, Lavington has also recalled its big man in Tim Hanna.

Albury duo Elliott Powell and Michael Duncan will play with GWS against Sydney in the NEAFL clash.

The Tigers are without five top-liners for the away game against Wangaratta Rovers.