Ovens and Murray: Yarrawonga recruit Mick Gibbons returns from injury

After overcoming a calf injury, a former Carlton forward will debut for his new club against arch rivals Albury.

Yarrawonga’s star recruit Mick Gibbons will play his first match for the club in a blockbuster clash against its biggest modern day rival Albury Tigers tomorrow.

The former Carlton forward was among a host of big name signings by Ovens and Murray league clubs over summer, but Gibbons has not played a game after injuring his calf in the lead-up to round one.

“I tried to rush back and from that point I had a couple of setbacks,” he said.

“My aim was to play the Corowa game (on May 15), but in training it slightly went on me again.

“It was telling me I wasn’t quite ready.

“I could have played against North Albury (a fortnight ago), but we were going into a bye so it was decided to take the cautious route and it has worked out well.

“It will be good to be back.”

Michael Gibbons will debut for Yarrawonga against Albury. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Yarrawonga and Albury, which played off in every grand final from 2009 to 2014 with the Tigers holding sway 4-2, are shaping as major threats to undefeated Wangaratta along with Myrtleford.

Meanwhile, Wangaratta Rovers have confirmed 2018 Morris medallist Brodie Filo will remain with the club despite not fronting for a recent match against Corowa-Rutherglen.

“We’re dealing with it internally,” Rovers football director Barry Sullivan said.

“We’re going to wrap our arms around him and try and help him out.”

Filo has not been named in the Rovers team to play North Albury tomorrow with Sullivan tight-lipped on any sanctions imposed on Filo.

Wangaratta Rovers coach Daryn Cresswell has been inducted into the Sydney Swans Hall of Fame. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

His no-show a fortnight ago denied him the chance to represent the O and M in the interleague win against Goulburn Valley last Saturday.

Filo previously played in the O and M with Wodonga Raiders and was recruited back to the league by Rovers coach Daryn Cresswell from Bendigo league team Eaglehawk this year.

Cresswell was inducted into the Sydney Swans Hall of Fame last night.