Chiltern proposes having an extra player on bench as clubs gear up for return

It's now been almost four weeks since clubs last played, and with sides unable to train during the two-week lockdown, Swans' coach Luke Brookes fears injuries may be inevitable.

"We just thought there's going to be a lot of fatigue and we're just trying to prevent some soft tissue injuries, because blokes haven't trained or played for three weeks," Brookes said.

"Some blokes might have done a bit, while others haven't.

"It's something to think about."

While the league is yet to make a decision on the request, Brookes believes other clubs would be onboard with the idea.

"Especially teams in the top five, you'd hate an injury or two now," he said.

"There's the chance there will be some soft tissue injuries this weekend."

The Swans are set for a crucial match against the Hawks on Saturday, with both sides currently equal on wins alongside fourth placed Barnawartha.

Kiewa-Sandy Creek coach Adam Mudra said while his side is refreshed and ready to get back into it, he too is also concerned about a lack of conditioning in players.

"For all of the clubs in the Tallangatta League, you touch wood that everyone's able to get through the next two weeks without injuries and we don't get a compromised finals series off the back of a lack of conditioning and soft tissue injuries," he said.

"The counter argument to the boys being fresh right now is potentially there might be some issues down the track off the back of not being able to train and play as consistently as we would like."

While to a degree it feels like starting again, Mudra is relieved to finally have a return in sight.

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"That's the exciting bit, that there's come certainty this weekend," he said.

"The boys always knew that the challenges were going to come.

"We'll go in with a no excuse mindset, with the perspective that the personnel are available to us on Saturday.

"It's a game that's very exciting for our football club and the league as well."

While Brookes is also adopting a no excuse attitude, he's still very aware of the task at hand.

"Kiewa's always the team to beat, so it's a big challenge for us and we'll know where we're at after this weekend," Brookes said.

"Everyone knows the final five is set, it's just a matter of where you end up.

"We could finish anywhere between first or fourth.

"The two games left are pretty crucial."

With Victoria's current COVID restrictions still prohibiting spectators, clubs are set for a different atmosphere when they return.

"It will be different playing without crowds," Brookes said.

"It's a bit disappointing for the supporters of both clubs not being able to watch what should be a cracking game."

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