NORTH Ballarat Roosters have confirmed the return of Ollie Tate for Saturday’s pivotal clash with Box Hill Hawks in the VFL at Box Hill.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Selkirk Roosters football manager Marg Richards said on Thursday that Tate was right to go after recovering from a hamstring strain.
Tate has not played since April 27, when North Ballarat lost to Geelong.
The Roosters have not lost since, stringing together wins against Footscray Bulldogs, Frankston and Bendigo Gold to climb to ninth – just two premiership points outside the top eight.
Box Hill is their biggest test for some time.
The Hawks sit second to Port Melbourne with six wins and a draw.
North Melbourne-listed Mitch Wilkins will also make his return.
He was a late withdrawal from North Ballarat’s latest outing against Bendigo at Swan Hill on May 25.
The young Kangaroo was suffering shoulder soreness and was rested as a precautionary measure.
North Ballarat has also added North Melbourne’s Robin Nahas to an extended interchange, but he is expected to retain his place in the Kangaroos’ line-up to face his former team Richmond on Sunday.
Box Hill has been strengthened by the inclusion of youngsters Mitch Hallahan, Will Langford and Jonathon Simpkin - all dropped by Hawthorn.
Roosters’ injury list: Jackson Bowen (quadriceps) 1 week, Matt Austin (shoulder) indefinite, Jess Murphy (hamstring) 2-3 weeks, Michael Searl (broken finger) 2 weeks, Mitch Ross (abductor) 5 weeks, Ash Simpson (ankle) 8 weeks, Lucas Anderson (foot) season.
david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au
