North Ballarat Roosters’ season is finishing as it started in the VFL – with a spate of injuries.
The Selkirk Roosters have lost three players for their last assignment of the year.
They meet Frankston at Eureka Stadium on Saturday in a game which has the potential to lift them off the bottom of the ladder.
Frankston and North Ballarat sit in 14th and 15th positions respectively on two wins apiece.
The Roosters defeated the Dolphins by seven points at Frankston in round 12, but the latest run of injuries will not assist a frustrated North Ballarat coach Marc Greig and his charges.
Andrew Hooper (hamstring), Sam Hooper (knee) and Tom Schnerring (knee) have all been ruled out after being injured against Essendon.
Greig said it was clear early in the week that Andrew Hooper and Schnerring would not be available.
However, the seriousness of Sam Hooper’s knee trouble did not come to light until midweek.
Greig said Hooper was initially not too troubled by the issue, but a scan had revealed a torn meniscus – cartilage that provides a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone.
He said Hooper, who was the Roosters’ leading goalkicker this year, would see a surgeon on Monday.
Liam Youl returns after a few weeks back with Ballarat Swans. This will be his first VFL game since injuring a hamstring against Richmond in round six.
Jono Lanyon and Coby Perry have also been recalled.
Glen Coleman remains as 23rd man for a third time this season.
Ruckman/forward Matt Eagles has been named despite breaking the index finger on his left hand in a mishap with weights in the gym. He is likely to play with a guard on the finger.
