COLEAMBALLY captain-coach Michael Griffiths believes Josh Hamilton’s return will prove a huge boost to his young Blues’ team.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hamilton was cleared of two charges at the AFL Riverina independent tribunal on Thursday night, after East Wagga-Kooringal cited the former Coleambally coach in his first game back from suspension.
Hamilton has been restricted to just one game this season but will return to face North Wagga at Coleambally on Saturday.
Griffiths cannot wait to have Hamilton back on the paddock.
“Getting Josh back will be great for us, just in terms of his leadership and experience,” Griffiths said.
Hamilton led Coleambally to a grand final appearance last season in his first year as coach.
Griffiths took over the coaching reins this season, and the pair will unite to form a lethal ruck combination for the Blues.
“We played together at Griffith, so hopefully it doesn’t take that long to work in tandem,” Griffiths said.
Coleambally have endured a horror season in terms of injuries.
Dean Pound (shoulder),James Fallon (knee), Tod Clark (hand) and Jake Breed (foot) may not return this season, while Shane Pound and Brandon Matthews are also struggling with injuries.
Northern Territory recruits Charlie McAdam, Aidan McAdam and Keegan Dingo will not play again either.
“That’s the disappointing thing, with the side we’ve got on paper, we’ve played everyone once now and we’re good enough to match it,” Griffiths said.
“It’s been frustrating. The injury issues have been pretty much from the start of the year onwards.”
Griffiths explained that with finals now out of reach, several of Coleambally’s injured players may not return.
“Our injuries are shoulders, knees, broken bones, and it’s the senior guys on our list as well,” he said.
“We’re not super young anyway, we’re closer to the super old stage. If we can get these guys back with one or two games to go, it might be better for them to hold off until pre-season.
“It is frustrating, and as much as you want to win every game, you’ve got to put it into perspective.
“We’ve been able to get games into our younger guys, they’ve got a fair bit of game time, which is positive.”
As well as Hamilton, Graeme O’Connell will return for the clash against North Wagga.
Griffith hopes the Blues will be able to put up a four-quarter effort and match it with the second-placed Saints.