Wimmera: Southern Mallee Giants coach Kieran Delahunty close to return

Flag contenders across the state are experiencing good and bad injury news about their playing coaches. See who is coming back and who won’t return.

First-year Southern Mallee Giants coach Kieran Delahunty is closing in on a return from an extended stint on the sidelines with a broken wrist.

The reigning Wimmera league Toohey Medallist, who crossed from premiers Minyip-Murtoa this year to launch his coaching career with the Giants, has been out for the past six weeks.

The Giants, who are guaranteed a double chance in finals, are also set to regain centre half-back Sam White from an ankle injury.

Southern Mallee Giants coach Kieran Delahunty has been out with a broken wrist. Picture: Georgia Hallam

Leading goalkicker Josh Webster is also expected to play before finals after suffering a hamstring injury last month – his second of the season.

“I will be touch and go this week, but I will definitely play next week,” Delahunty said.

“I will get at least one game in before finals start.

“We’ve got a double-chance spot sewn up, which is what we were after.”

The Giants could jump a spot on the ladder with second-placed Horsham Saints playing undefeated Ararat on Saturday.

North Warrnambool ruckman Nathan Vardy playing against South Warrnambool last year. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

In a major blow to North Warrnambool’s flag hopes, coach-in-waiting Nathan Vardy will miss the rest of the Hampden league season with a knee injury he suffered in late June.

Vardy will take over as coach of North Warrnambool from six-time Hampden league premiership coach Adam Dowie next year.

The third-placed Eagles take on ladder leader South Warrnambool on Saturday before another huge match in the final round against reigning premier Koroit a fortnight later.

Wangaratta Magpies coach Ben Reid. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Albury co-coach Anthony Miles has played the last two matches on his return from a badly broken leg he sustained late last year.

But Wangaratta coach Ben Reid is not expected to play again until finals due to a hamstring injury from its recent clash against Albury.