North Wagga president Greg Fox has reinforced his club’s call for players to be protected on the field after midfielder Lachie Gaffney was sent for scans on his jaw following the Saints’ win over Coleambally on Sunday.
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Gaffney went to the dentist for checks on his wisdom teeth after he was on the receiving end of two heavy hits in the fourth quarter, and was instructed to have X-rays on his jaw because of concerns of a hairline fracture.
“If there was a hairline he wouldn’t be able to play this week (against East Wagga-Kooringal), but he’s been cleared of that,” Fox said.
“But he’s pretty sore and sorry.
“He won’t train all week but he should be right for Saturday.”
Fox said he thought Gaffney was hit late both times, and backed the call from co-coach Nathan Dowdle for players to be protected.
“I think the umpires needed to be a bit harder.
“People might think we’re whinging but they need to protect bodies a bit better.
“The second one was very late and that’s what happens when things get out of control… they (the umpires) lost control a little bit and things degenerated, with swearing at the umpires.
“They needed to march a few people.”
While Gaffney looks set to play, Corey Watt remains in a holding pattern.
The newly-crowned Gerald Clear Medallist is awaiting the results of an MRI scan on his injured left knee, but is upbeat about his chances.
“It feels better today and it hasn’t swelled right up,” Watt said.
The Hawks have ruled out early comebacks by their injured midfielders, Stu Brierty and Ben Absolum, but coach Gavin McMahon said they have no other injury concerns heading into Saturday’s preliminary final.
