COOLAMON defenders Ryan Chamberlain and Marshal Macauley will mark milestones when the Hoppers look to bounce back against Wagga Tigers at Robertson Oval on Saturday.
Coolamon were overrun by Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes last weekend and will be on the rebound when they take on the in-form Tigers.
Chamberlain will line-up for his 150th senior game on Saturday, while Macauley will play senior game 100 for Coolamon.
Coolamon coach Matt Hard paid tribute to the pair.
“Ryan’s been a great servant of the footy club,” Hard said.
“He’s been away, and come back, then been away and come back, but he’s always been honest with the us and been a great player for us.
“He’s hard, tough and tenacious, he is team first and a natural leader, he’s everything you want at a footy club.”
Macauley has developed into one of Coolamon’s most important players.
“Marshal’s (100 game milestone) has snuck up a little bit being only 22,” Hard said.
“His game is ever evolving and I still think his best footy is ahead of him.
“We just love the way he goes about his business.”
Coolamon hope to welcome back Luke Gerhard for Saturday’s clash with Tigers.
Chris Ladhams is doubtful with a calf injury but wants until Friday to make the call on his availability.
Last week’s loss has dropped Coolamon to fourth spot.
A top-three finish will now be tough for Coolamon but Hard’s only focus is beating Tigers on Saturday.
“We’re obviously running into a tight finals series and Tigers are probably the in-form team of the competition, they have only dropped one of their last five or six and played all of the top teams,” Hard said.
“It’s going to be a big test at Robbo but we’re looking forward to it.”
After last weekend, Hard believes Coolamon need to get better at being stronger for longer.
“The last 15 or 20 minutes really hurt us and it cost us four points,” he said.
“We know we’ve got to be consistent in everything we do and for most of the time over the last few games we have been doing that.
“We’re doing the little things right, now we’ve just got to iron out the creases.”
Wagga Tigers will be without Nick Ryan due to a knee injury, while Ben Farrell is also unlikely given he suffered concussion in last weekend’s win over Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.
Xavier Brennan should be right to return after being unavailable last week.
