BACCHUS Marsh coach Cam Richardson said he was surprised to receive a suspension for a high bump at the tribunal, but thinks it could almost come as a blessing in disguise.
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The tribunal found Richardson guilty on Wednesday night of making head-high contact on Melton South youngster Daniel Hillier on Saturday.
The first year coach will miss Saturday’s telling match against Redan at Maddingley Park, but said it opened a number of windows for the club.
Not only will it allow a young player to come into the side, it will give Richardson the chance to analyse the game while not trying to find the ball himself.
“In reality, there are some guys who might be quicker and fitter than me, so it might not be that bad of a thing,” Richardson said.
“I’m out there to provide leadership and drive so in that sense it will hurt a bit.”
The Cobras will be without ruckman Bill Oakley after he tore his calf last week, in what will be another big
blow.
Oakely is expected to miss four to five weeks, while Logan Blundell and Coby Millar are among the inclusions.
“I’ve actually done a bit of ruckwork in the past, so it might’ve worked out I could slot in there, but it’s not to be,” Richardson
said.
“We’ve identified the things that have crept into our game and worked out how to work through them.
“Even though I still won’t be there, we are going to come out absolutely firing.”
For Redan, Leigh Ryall is an obvious exclusion as he continues to recover from concussion from the Liam Rigby tackle.
Jarrett Giampaolo also faced a fitness test last night with a corked thigh and was not named in the side to play, although Damien Horbury comes back in for his first senior game in a
month.
Dan Colbert also returns to add some firepower to the forward line.
Coach Eammon Gill said he was more than wary of Bacchus Marsh, which always presented itself as a worthy opponent at home.
“Cam’s got them playing some really good footy,” Gill said.
“They’re one of the most improved sides in the competition and are looking great, so it’s definitely going to be tough.”
PREDICTION: Redan to make it six wins in a row.