SFNL: The key players missing across every Division 1 club

Big names aplenty are out injured across Division 1 of the Southern league. Read which clubs are in good health and who is worse for wear.

Sean Downie, Justin Taylor and Kyle Martin are among the key SFNL Division 1 players out injured.

Big names aplenty are out injured across Division 1 of the Southern league.

See every club’s injury list ahead of round 11 below.

Bentleigh

Injured: Campbell Bedford (hamstring), Andrew Walker (knee), Kayne O’Brien (calf), Lachlan Lawrence (ankle), Josh Mackie (ankle)

The Demons injury list had been shrinking, but they were hurt by losing both Lachlan Lawrence and Josh Mackie in their last outing against Dingley in round 10. The pair are both expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks.

Cheltenham

Injured: Jacob Edwards (concussion), Guy Studley (leg), Luke Verma (hamstring), Riet Pal (ankle), Jairo Hechavarria Coste (foot), Jonathan Zuccala (shoulder), Charlie Brookes (ankle), Tom Brookes (ankle)

The Rosellas have been tracking well and are sitting third but are still missing a number of key players. Jacob Edwards is a significant loss and is still a couple of weeks away after sustaining a concussion in round 8, while Riet Pal has proved a valuable addition to Cheltenham’s backline but will miss the next five weeks with an ankle issue. Young Charlie Brookes has also suffered a cruel blow and will miss six to eight weeks having ruptured a tendon in his ankle after kicking four goals in his second senior game.

Cheltenham player Jacob Edwards marks over other players. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Cranbourne

Injured: Mitch Tharle (arm), Jed Benham (ACL), Jarryd Barker (finger)

The Eagles are set to be without Mitch Tharle for some time for some time after he sustained a nasty broken arm on the weekend, while Barker has been missing since round 6 after breaking his finger.

Dingley

Injured: Luke Simmonds (shoulder), Mitch Cook (knee), Cam Saultry (shoulder), Kristen Feehan (knee)The Dingoes are flying high with a 10-0 record and also have a relatively strong bill of health across the board. Cam Saultry has been missing all season after crossing from St Bede’s but he is thought to be close to a return, meanwhile Kristen Feehan is a costly out, although he only picked up a minor knee injury last round which isn’t expected to keep him sidelined for long.

Kristen Feehan (Dingley). Picture: Valeriu Campan

East Brighton

Injured: Sean Downie (hamstring), Declan Joyce-Lawford (ankle), Ben Reid (hamstring), Kai Love-Linay (ankle), Blake Cochrane (back), Lachlan Brooks (TBC)

The Vampires have been hit hard by injury to its top-end talent with captain Kai Love-Linay as well vice-captains Sean Downie and Blake Cochrane all ruled out with injury after round 10. Throw in ex-AFL man Ben Reid too and it’s a serious list of outs.

Sean Downie of East Brighton handballs. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Murrumbeena

Inured: Thomas Rigby (ankle), Josh Cetinich (concussion), Travis Ogden (ACL), Duncan Gardiner (ACL), Mitch Simmons (MCL), Clayton Kingi (hand), Harrison Lagastses (general soreness), James Corboy (general soreness), Lachie English

Murrumbeena has battling injury trouble for long time and still boasts one of Division 1’s longest injury lists. The Lions have been plagued by knee issues with both Travis Ogden and Duncan Gardiner tearing their ACLs, while Clayton Kingi has a broken hand.

Narre Warren

Injured: Jesse Davies (groin), Riley Siwes (thumb), Josh West (foot), Dylan Mutimer (prosterior), Dan Toner (knee)

The Magpies had been boasting one of the division’s lengthier injury lists, but key trio Kurt Mutimer, Joel Zietsman and Jake Richardson have all been named to return on Saturday night. The three players had all been missing since round 8 after all sustaining injuries against Springvale Districts. Riley Siwes is still expected to be sidelined for some time with a broken thumb while Josh West has a broken foot. Dan Toner has been absent since round 1 after doing his knee.

Dylan Mutimer - Narre Warren. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Port Melbourne Colts

Injured: Justin Taylor (skull), Jack Berry (pectoral), Max Collier (hamstring)

Colts were missing eight to nine senior players a month ago at the height of their injury woes, but are largely out of the woods now. Playing coach Justin Taylor is unlikely to play again this season after fracturing his skull against Dingley in round 9. Taylor’s head had collided with his opponent’s knee and he described the noise as “sickening”. Meanwhile, Max Collier cruelly sustained another hamstring injury having just returned from one.

Justin Taylor. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Springvale Districts

Injured: Daniel Helmore (ankle), Daniel Spence (knee), Kyle Martin (hamstring), Xavier Kinder (hand), Jamie Nguyen (cheekbone), Billy Green (quad), Ky Allock (groin)

Springvale Districts has a relatively long injury list but coach Kris Thompson isn’t searching for any excuses. Kyle Martin is the most notable loss after injuring his hamstring in round 9, while top small defender Daniel Spence is another costly out, as is Daniel Helmore.

SFNL 2025: Kyle Martin addresses his new teammates at Springvale Districts.

St Paul’s McKinnon

Injured: Chris Rousakis (hamstring/glute), Will Dwyer (calf)

Enjoying a strong run of form with four matches unbeaten going into round 11, St Paul’s McKinnon is also in a very strong position healthwise.