Searl has been left out of the Highlanders’ team to take on Geelong and District in Saturday’s AFL Victoria Community Championship showdown.

The Springbank joint-coach tore his quadriceps in the victory over rivals Bungaree on Sunday.

While Searl will still carry out his role as backline coach for the Central Highlands this weekend, the hole he leaves in the line-up is a significant one.

The former North Ballarat Roosters captain was named best-on-ground following last year’s thumping of Horsham District in what was his first appearance in the league’s navy blue colours.

“It’s just unfortunate. That’s football. You get injured and that’s a part of the sport. You’ve got to find someone else to replace him,” Raak said.

“He is a huge loss for us, there is no two ways about it.”

Another of the key absentees for the Highlanders is Chris O’Keefe.

The Bungaree veteran, who is the league’s forward coach, sustained a hamstring injury in the match against Springbank and won’t take his place in Saturday’s side.

Raak said the coaching panel had been forced to restructure during the past week because it had been dealt with injuries to important players.

Big names that were part of the initial squad and that are missing in the final 23 include Hepburn duo Andy McKay and Lee Cox, Ballan coach Justin McConnell, Springbank gun Billy Driscoll and Daylesford star Michael Cummings.

“Hopefully we’ve got that balance and mix that we need,” Raak said.

Buninyong midfielder Ned Gilbert and versatile Beaufort tall Jake Garvey are the two late call-ups into the senior team.

The pair was not part of the 36-strong squad released by Raak late last month, but have been rushed in to fill specific voids.

Raak said Garvey had the ability, like Searl, to play all over the ground, while believing Gilbert was a good replacement for O’Keefe with his experience and big body around the contest.

Saturday’s match starts from 2.15pm at Bungaree.