And while it's naturally not ideal, in a unique way it's added another unpredictable element to what's been an exciting start to the season after last year was wiped out due to COVID.

There's already been a number of upsets and Corowa-Rutherglen will fancy its chances at home of toppling Wangaratta Rovers, who are without six Melbourne players, including Tyson Hartwig, Alex Marklew and Sam Murray.

After an excellent start to the year, the Roos have slipped in their past two games to Yarrawonga (six points) and Wodonga Raiders (17 points) respectively.

The Roos are missing Tom Goodwin, Charlie Nastasi and Jason Marks due to COVID restrictions, but the return of forward Kyle Docherty and veteran Jamie Seymour will certainly help the club's chances.

Rovers hold down third spot and they will be desperate to keep the pack at bay in what should be a thrilling game.

There's a number of vital injuries heading into the scheduled round nine.

Myrtleford co-coach Dawson Simpson has a foot complaint, but it's hoped to be only a short-term complaint.

The Saints welcome back Frazer Dale for his first senior game since 2017.

Dale claimed the best and fairest that year, but is the racing manager for his father and horse trainer Andrew, which has tied up his time in recent years.

The Saints are away to competition leaders Albury.

Wodonga Raiders will be without coach Jarrod Hodgkin against North Albury.

Hodgkin has proven an extremely durable player since returning to the league, but is expected to miss two games with a knee injury.

And Lavington Sportsground will host the first double header on Saturday with Lavington-Wodonga and Wangaratta-Yarrawonga.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Nico Sedgwick hasn't been named for Lavington, but Brock-Burrum.

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