The runaway competition leaders are missing eight automatic selections for Saturday’s away game against battling Wangaratta Rovers.

The star players would all be available if it was a grand final.

“We’ve certainly looked at it (why we had those injuries),” co-coach Shaun Daly said.

“At the end of last year we had a few people go down and we’ve certainly had a look at that and peoples’ game times and training loads.”

Veteran Luke Packer hasn’t played since July 21.

“He’s just going through his training block at the moment, but he will be a chance against Lavington in the last game and that’s similar for Brayden (O’Hara),” Daly said.

O’Hara missed a month earlier in the season and has now missed another month with a calf complaint.

“Rather than risk those guys playing, we’ll just give them a good block of training,” Daly said.

Packer missed last year’s loss to Wangaratta with a hamstring complaint.

“It’s not his hamstring this time, it’s more general, he’s had some general groin issues over a number of years,” Daly said.

“We’re looking to get him back to 100 per cent as he’s just been playing a little bit sore.”

Fellow stars Daniel Cross, Elliott Powell and Michael Duncan (unavailable), Michael Thompson (popped shoulder), Daly (head knock) and Dean Polo (soreness) are the other premiership players missing.

It means the Tigers will field one of their lowest-profile outfits in 10 years of domination.

Goalsneak John Mitchell has forced his way in after just two games in reserves.

Mitchell was best on ground in the thumping win over Wodonga.

The clever forward left his run late this season, working and competing in equestrian-related events in Queensland until last month.

Normally, he returns up to two months earlier.

Meanwhile, Rovers have made seven changes.

Alex Marklew is out with a knee problem, the same one he injured three weeks ago, while Dylan Stone has a hip complaint.

The Hawks will be delighted the visitors are severely undermanned, but the likes of Mitchell, Chris Hyde and Charles Gaylard are still capable of a big win.