EFNL Division 4: Silvan ruckman James Charge set to return for grand final

Silvan coach Trent Martin has revealed the availability of his star ruckman for the Division 4 decider following a hamstring injury.

A star ruckman is set to make a stunning return to action in this Sunday’s Eastern league Division 4 grand final – a fortnight after a feared season-ending injury.

Silvan senior playing-coach Trent Martin has revealed big man James Charge is set to line up against Surrey Park after a hamstring injury in the opening five minutes of the club’s first final on August 20.

Silvan ruckman James Charge is set to return for the Division 4 grand final. Picture: Davis Harrigan

The Cats overcame Charge’s loss, overturning a 19-point half-time deficit, to qualify for the grand final – with Martin filling the void in the ruck.

“He’s good to go – no drama,” Martin said.

“He’s seen a doctor and he’s back training ... he’s put his hand up (for selection) early in the week and trained Sunday where we had a good hit-out … ready to go, believe it or not.”

Charge joined Silvan ahead of this season, crossing from Mooroolbark in Division 1.

He previously enjoyed a decorated four-year stint with Olinda-Ferny Creek in the Outer East comp, which included a flag and a league best and fairest.

The veteran has been an integral part of a Silvan outfit which finished minor premier this season, with Charge named in the best players on 11 occasions from 16 matches.

“I rate him as the best player in the comp and I reckon just about every other coach in the comp would say the same thing,” Martin said.

“We managed to regroup and win (without him in the semi-final) which was huge.”

The Cats face a Surrey Park side which has beaten them in two of four matches this year – but the minor premier exacted revenge with a 27-point defeat a fortnight ago.

They’ll shoot for their first senior premiership since 2014.

While wary of the Panthers – appearing in their first senior grand final since 1999 and in the hunt for their first-ever senior flag – Martin said his group couldn’t be better prepared after the week off.

“We’ve got a bit of work to do to shut down a few of their young, lively players,” Martin said.

“We have a couple of older players and older players need rest, so we’ve earnt that.

“Morale’s up, we’re feeling good and we’re ready to go – I couldn’t be happier with where we’re at.”