RUCKMAN Orren Stephenson is a chance to play at Windy Hill on Saturday but the Roosters remain cautious in managing the veteran’s work load.
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Stephenson has been sidelined from Victorian Football League action with a recurring calf injury since mid-June. He has been training solidly but North Ballarat Roosters want to be confident Stephenson could sustain intense match play before clearing him to play.
Selkirk Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald said Stephenson’s experience would be extremely valuable for facing the fifth-ranked Essendon.
Roosters midfielder Nick Couch pulled up well early in the week from a tough, close bout with then-top team Box Hill on the road last weekend. Couch, who returned from a knee injury, will continue to be monitored this week.
Captain Matt Austin remains an unlikely prospect for selections this week. Austin has missed the past three Roosters’ matches with lingering knee soreness.
Midfield forward Liam Hoy must still be assessed in his continued return from an ankle injury. Hoy had his first match hit-out with Redan in the Ballarat Football League last week.
