Glenorchy co-captain sidelined for up to five months while prized Clarence recruit out indefinitely
Glenorchy will be missing last year’s best and fairest and co-captain for half the season with a broken leg, while a former Pie turned Roo is out indefinitely. SEE ALL THE ROUND TWO TEAMS >>
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CLARENCE and Glenorchy have both been dealt significant long-term injury blows as they prepare to renew their State League rivalry on Saturday.
Coming off a round one bye, the Pies will step onto the park for the first time in 2021 without inspirational defender and co-captain Josh Arnold.
The reigning best and fairest champion suffered a broken leg in a practice game — continuing a horror run for the club with serious injuries — which will sideline him for up to five months.
Former Pie and prized Roo recruit Mitch Rainbird has also been ruled out indefinitely from another concussion.
Rainbird has been limited to only a handful of games in the past two seasons from ongoing concussion symptoms.
“We are in the process now of getting some more medical evidence but the reality is right now he is going to miss an extended period of time,” Roos coach Jeromey Webberley said.
“We are really keen to keep Mitch heavily involved in our program. He obviously made the difficult decision to leave Glenorchy and come across.
“It’s been really tough for him, he was saying the other day he has done three pre-seasons for six games.
“He has had a tough run the last three years, but we will put our arms around him.”
Glenorchy has named co-captain Brayden Webb, Harrison Gunther and Chris Howard for their first games since 2019, with Victorian recruits Nick Reibelt and Darrean Wyatt to make their Pie debuts.
Lauderdale has been bolstered with the inclusions of Bryce Walsh and Will Poland for its trip to the Twin Ovals.
The key duo are among four changes for the Bombers, while the Tigers lose Jarryd Drew (ankle) for a minimum of six weeks.
North Hobart has been hit hard by Devils selection, losing eight young guns for the trip north to tackle North Launceston.
The Demons will blood five new faces at UTAS Stadium among its nine changes.
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