Tony Armstrong to make Barwon Heads debut after BFL bye round

Barwon Heads coach Dan Donati has revealed when he will play mid-season boom recruit Tony Armstrong in his first game for the club.

Barwon Heads coach Dan Donati has revealed his prized mid-season recruit Tony Armstrong will debut after the league-wide bye.

The former AFL player and now media personality signed with the Seagulls ahead of the club’s clash with Torquay in round 11, but has not taken to the field yet.

Donati said, barring any issues, Armstrong would play his first game at home against Queenscliff in round 14.

“Tony will be one of a number of guys coming in for that first game after the bye,” he said.

Donati said, barring any issues, Armstrong would play his first game at home against Queenscliff in round 14. Picture: Alan Barber

“There are guys that could’ve potentially played (against Drysdale), but that extra week with the bye is good to be able to use and take that cautious approach.

“We’ll obviously assess it next week at training because you never know what could happen with the week off, but I am certainly expecting Tony to come in (for round 14).”

Armstrong is expected to slot into Barwon Heads’ back six and provide leadership and experience to a side that is challenging for a premiership.

Donati said the former Sydney Swan and Collingwood Magpie would be just one of “about eight players” that would return after the bye.

Donati said the former Sydney Swan and Collingwood Magpie would be just one of “about eight players” that would return after the bye. Picture: Alan Barber

“I’m expecting seven or eight players to come back the week after the bye, Nathan Brown didn’t play (against Drysdale), Herby (Mitchell Herbison) didn’t play, Will Jacobs will be back,” he said.

“If they’re fit and ready then they’ll play, rather than drip-feeding them back.

“Ryan Harvey, Matt Dyer should be available, as should Lachlan Wilson.

“The young guys have been fantastic in holding down the fort for us, to be able to test our depth and get games into these guys while still being competitive has been great for us.”

Originally published as Tony Armstrong to make Barwon Heads debut after BFL bye round