Myrtleford has five players battling injuries in the run home to finals

Siblings Hugh (knee) and Elijah Wales (hamstring) have joined Kurt Aylett (hamstring), Nathan Laracy (groin) and Riley O'Shea (knee) on the sidelines.

Hugh Wales hasn't played since suffering the injury on the resumption from the first COVID break on June 12, while his brother, Aylett and Laracy were all injured in a gutsy 26-point win over Lavington on July 3.

"It was quite a severe groin strain (for Laracy), so that was worse than first thought," Saints' co-coach Jake Sharp revealed.

Sharp himself has been ruled out for the season after undergoing a knee reconstruction on July 6.

The O and M has played just one round since that Lavington game due to Victoria's COVID lockdown.

Last Saturday's round 13 was cancelled, while Saturday's games have also been dumped from the program.

"It's a bit tricky at the moment with no gyms as a crucial part of the rehab is getting the strength and load back through the muscle," Sharp explained of the dilemma for injured players to recover.

"We will take a very cautious approach for all those blokes."

Given COVID's hold on the league and general life, the Saints' effort in winning their last two games without a host of players has largely been forgotten.

Myrtleford has now racked up a four-match winning streak and while none of the opponents will play finals, the club has had a number of lesser lights improve.

"We've had a number of young players grasp their opportunities," Sharp suggested.

"Daniel Roche has really stepped up, while Austin Wickes is just five games into his senior career and he's also grabbed his opportunity.

"While you would prefer your experienced players to be there, it allows the younger players to step up to the mark and improve their play.

"Through the midfield, unsung heroes like Kane Michelini and Mitch Dalbosco have lifted, so there's a lot of positives."

While the league's in limbo, Sharp says there's no chance of complacency.

"There's a finals spot on the line, so there's plenty to be motivated about," he offered.

The Saints are battling Wangaratta Rovers and Wodonga Raiders for third spot.

Play could resume on July 31 but that will naturally depend on Victoria coming out of lockdown on Tuesday night, whether the six Victorian clubs will resume without a full week of training and whether crowds are allowed to attend their home games.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Myrtleford is away to Wodonga in round 15.

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