Tessa Curtain picked up a knock to her knee in the recent win over Melbourne Knights, and while there isn’t any structural damage, it is still inflamed.

Meanwhile, Holly Williamson has struggled with hip soreness all week and is unavailable to play.

With two of the senior leadership group absent, this provides an opportunity for other players to step up, according to Strikers interim coach Laura Brady.

Hannah Kozaris is a natural replacement for Williamson, having played the 2014 season in central defence, while the central midfield will have an all-new look with Alyson Pym and Claire Demuth filing those positions.

Taking Pym’s role up front initially will be Lily McLean.

While McLean has been deployed mainly in wide defensive roles this season, she has plenty of experience in the striker’s role.

Both Nat Barbara and Lisie Dodds will return to the line up at right and left midfield respectively.

The inclusion of Dodds is a week earlier than originally expected.

Newcomer Keryn Walters will start on the bench, but is likely to be introduced early in proceedings to provide attacking class.

Shooting for three-straight victories at Morshead Park, Ballarat is currently fifth on the Football Federation Victoria women’s state league one north-west table.