Gestier injured his hamstring for a second time this season in the Demons’ final round win over Narrandera last Saturday.

Gestier learnt the extent of the injury this week and will miss Saturday’s qualifying final against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong at Robertson Oval.

He will also miss the following week, whether it be the first semi-final or second semi-final, and is no guarantee to be available for the preliminary final, should the Demons make it.

“It’s not ideal,” Gestier said.

“The prelim is the best case and grand final would be a definite.

“There would have to be a decision made on the Thursday night heading into the prelim, if that’s the case.

“It’s a new spot and that’s the issue. It’s lower down on the leg, which is good apparently, but it’s out of the graft.”

Dusty Rogers moved to centre-half-forward in Gestier’s absence last time but has spent most of the second half of the season in defence.

Gestier said Kal Sykes will take his place.

“We’ll leave Dusty where he is. He’s going well down back,” he said.

“We’ll try and get a lot out of Kal Sykes. He’ll step up into that role as a hit up forward.

“Obviously with Jaydo and Matty Klemke coming back in, we’ll try and get some goals out of them. We can’t rely on Gep for all our goals.”

While they will miss Gestier, it is not all bad news at Crossroads Oval.

Jayden Klemke, Matt Klemke, Tom Byrnes and Joe Byrnes will all return from injury to face the Lions.

Collingullie-GP have not been able to maintain a settled side but Gestier chooses instead to look at the positives.

“It is what it is, it’s not ideal,” he said.

“Compared to last year though, we haven’t seen our best footy, let alone the opposition seeing it. There is a lot of unknowns there, which is exciting.

“Last year, everyone knew where Collingullie was at and knew everything about them. It’s not ideal what’s happened this year but it’s exciting also.”

GGGM also have their injury worries with Scott Proctor injuring his hamstring in the final round win over Coolamon.

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