North Central: Sea Lake-Nandaly hit by growing list of injuries
Reigning premier Sea Lake-Nandaly is battling a long list of injuries, but a former Geelong player won’t be coming to the rescue.
North Central league reigning premiers Sea Lake-Nandaly is dealing with an injury list growing by the week as it prepares for a tough run of matches against teams that pose the biggest threat to its crown.
The Tigers have more than 10 players on the sidelines including Feeny Medal winner Trent Donnan with a broken ankle.
Also out of action are Donnan’s older brother Joel with a snapped Achilles, prolific possession winner Austin Mertz has a bulging disc in his back and John Summerhayes suffered a season-ending knee injury in round one.
The Tigers’ best player in the grand final last year, Tyson Mckenzie has also gone down with a calf injury.
Despite the carnage, Sea Lake-Nandaly still thrashed Wycheproof-Narraport by more than 100 points last round, but Tigers’ coach Bryce Delmenico is bracing for a tough run in the next three matches against Birchip-Watchem, Nullawil and Donald.
“We had 11 players out on Saturday,” he said.
“I’ve never seen an injury list like it and we’ve only got two to come back this week.
“It started before the season and has just got worse.
“It’s better to have them now than the other end of the season I suppose.
“We will keep blooding young kids and I’m sure they will keep stepping up.”
Delmenico hosed down speculation former Geelong player Sam Menegola would be joining the club any time soon.
Sea Lake-Nandaly and Birchip-Watchem are undefeated and meet at Birchip on Saturday.
Donald re-entered the premiership conversation with a stunning final quarter display to beat Nullawil last round.
The Royal Blues were overpowered by Birchip-Watchem the previous week.
But starring roles from Ryley Barrack and Natimuk United recruit Todd Stevenson and the first appearance this season from 2022 Feeny Medal winner Ross Young were major factors in the turnaround.
Ruckman Andrew Browne, who also joined Donald this season from Tatyoon, was also instrumental in the win.
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