North Ballarat coach Shane Skontra told The Courier that Darmody was a definite starter for the encounter with East Point at the Eastern Oval.

Skontra said Darmody would join fellow big forward Will Young as inclusions.

Darmody returned to North Ballarat City for this year after playing in back-to-back premierships with Koroit in the Hampden league, where he was one of the competition’s leading goalkickers.

However, the City premier player suffered a long-term hamstring injury pre-season, requiring surgery.

Darmody is likely to play as a deep forward, while Young, who sits second on the BFL goalkicking list with 48, will most likely be utilised as roving high forward.

Young has not played since straining a hamstring in round 13.

Darmody has been carefully managed in his return, playing limited time in four reserves games.

While Skontra says Darmody and Young are “definite” starters, he cannot say the same for key defender Ryan Luke (fractured jaw).

Luke, has not played since being injured against Darley in round 10.

North Ballarat City finished second on the ladder – replacing Bacchus Marsh, which dropped to fifth after losing to Melton on Saturday.

Melton plays Lake Wendouree and Darley plays Bacchus Marsh in elimination finals.