MANGOPLAH-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes player Matt Collins fears the Sydney lockdown could condemn him to watching a potential flag charge from afar as the clock ticks to play enough games to be finals eligible.
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The key position player, 25, has played over 100 games for the club and was part of their 2015-16 grand final defeats to Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
He has played just one game this year and needs to play four to be eligible for finals, but the worsening situation in Sydney and the fact there's only six rounds left makes it a race against time.
Brother Harry, who lives with Matt in Sydney, is a better chance of returning to the team given he has already played four games this year.
The club juniors are also one-point players, and their absence would cause some extra headaches for team selectors.
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MCUE, looking for a first flag since 1993, are unbeaten through nine games and play nearest contenders Coolamon (home) and Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong (away) over the next fortnight.
"It's looking pretty grim to be honest. I don't think it's going to be safe enough to come back (to play) in the next three or four weeks," Matt said.
"It obviously cuts a bit deep after we lost a couple (of grand finals) in a row. You can't dwell on these things though, it's out of our hands.
"It's pretty annoying. Especially how good the team is going and the vibe around the club, you want to be a part of it.
"I've played 100 games for them, it would be nice to win a grand final with them."
The Collins boys, and older brother Jack, can still kick a ball around together under lockdown rules given they live together.
The situation could also affect Wagga Tigers' run to the finals, with key forward Ryan Falkenberg also based in Sydney.
"It's a bit of an awkward situation to be in," Goannas coach Jeremy Rowe said.
"We definitely need those guys back and playing footy, they're important for our plans in the back end of the season.
"But we have to adjust to what's in front of us, and how the year has gone so far shows we're doing it pretty well."
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