Wangaratta has named gun forward Michael Newton for Saturday's qualifying final against Albury at Corowa's John Foord Oval.
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Newton hasn't played since the home clash against Myrtleford on August 3, where he suffered a displaced sternum and bruised ribs.
He hasn't finished a game since April due to a torn pectoral muscle and hamstring complaints.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Pies' coach Luke Morgan said earlier this week, he wouldn't play games with the long-awaited return of the player generally rated the league's best.
As expected, Wangaratta recalled trio Mat Grossman, Ben Douthie and Mark Anderson after they were rested for last week's game against Wodonga.
Meanwhile, Albury has also brought back four players for the eagerly anticipated grand final re-match.
Daniel Cross has returned after completing his commitments with AFL outfit Melbourne, joining Chris Hyde, Jake Page and Ben Kelly.
Teenager Kelly completed his commitments with under 18 outfit Murray Bushrangers and will again look to impress at senior level in targeting a career at the higher level.
The Tigers dropped promising youngsters Jay Hillary and Paddy Parnell, while Brady Morton is shaping as another heartbreak story after he lost his spot for the first time this season.
Morton was dropped for last year's preliminary final, but gained a late reprieve when Dean Polo was ruled out with a calf complaint.
It was the first time he'd been dropped in his two years with the club since joining from Wagga Tigers.
He kicked the match-winning goal against Wodonga Raiders with only 57 seconds left, but then lost his spot for the grand final win over Wangaratta when Polo returned and won the Did Simpson Medal.
The powerhouses have split their two games this season with the winner to face Lavington in the grand final qualifier.
Meanwhile, Myrtleford has recalled rugged defender Nathan Laracy for Sunday's elimination final against Wodonga Raiders at Albury Sportsground.
Former Wangaratta player Liam Byrne has also been named, with Brad Murray (suspended) and Pat Sullivan (omit) the changes from last week's gritty loss to Albury.
Wodonga Raiders will finalise their squad at training on Friday night, but there will be at least one change with Dylan Clarke to return after completing his Murray Bushrangers commitments.
