The Rock-Yerong Creek coach Tom Yates concedes the pre-season departure of gun ruckman Lachie Hunter is “massive” for the Magpies while they also have injury concerns around key players Aiden Ridley and Mitch Stephenson.
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Hunter was a superb addition to TRYC last year, playing a big role in their season before injuring his knee in round 16. He missed their last game against Barellan and the elimination final against East Wagga-Kooringal – both of which the Pies lost.
Now, a change in his work circumstances, means he won’t be back.
“Oh, it’s a massive loss,” Yates said. “It’s disappointing but that’s the way it is. It’s country footy and the priority for blokes is their work. That’s just the way it is.
“He’s moved back to Jindabyne. He’s got a good job opportunity up there and it’s where his family is.”
Yates says they haven’t dwelled on the setback. They’ve had two pre-season hit-outs, with premiership player Josh Meiselbach returning to ruck in their first, against Culcairn a week ago.
“That was a really good game, we were level with a couple of minutes to go, then they ended up rolling us by about eight points,” Yates said. “It was a good even contest.”
And new arrival Jake Adams held the role in a comfortable win against Narrandera on Saturday.
“We won by about 47 points, but they had a few out,” Yates. “So did we but it was a good hit-out for the young fellas.”
However, Stephenson injured a knee against Culcairn while Ridley suffered a similar injury playing touch. Both are seeking medical advice in the coming week to determine the damage.
Daniel Steele and Michael Coombes are also potential worries ahead of the season starting on April 14.
“So there’s a few little injuries we didn’t need, but that’s the way it goes,” Yates said.
Yates said the big positive has been the form of their recruits in the two games so far, including Jim Carroll who was strong at centre-half-forward against Narrandera.
“Jimmy Carroll played well for us, just his work-rate up and down the ground, and presenting,” Yates said.
“They've all been good, Benny Farrell… all of our recruits have been really good for us.”
TRYC will have a third practice match on Wednesday night against Murray Magpies at The Rock.
The Magpies’ season kicks off at home against Barellan.
