Sebastopol will be without key forward James Keeble for Saturday's Ballarat Football League qualifying final at the Eastern Oval.
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The Burra is adopting a no risk policy with Keeble, who felt hamstring tightness in the second quarter against Lake Wendouree on Saturday.
Sebastopol coach Leigh Hutchinson confirmed the VFL-experienced Keeble had been ruled out.
He's a big out for us."
- Sebastopol coach Leigh Hutchinson
Keeble has had an interrupted season.
He had a late start after injurying his lower back in the pre-season and had another stint on the sidelines in July-August.
The Lake Wendouree fixture was just his second week back.
Sebastopol's approach ensures Keeble will be available for the second week of the finals, which will be either a first or second semi-final for the club.
Hutchinson said on the other side of the ledger Brett Goodes would return, as would hopefully Ben Trew.
Goodes has missed two rounds, while Trew had a hit out in the reserves after being out for the previous two matches.
Meanwhile, East Point vice-captain Mitch Walsh does not believe the Roos are feeling any greater pressure this year as the reigning premier.
"We still see ourselves as the hunters rather than the hunted."
He said they looked on everyone with equal billing in a tight competition.
Hutchinson said although it had been almost two decades since Sebastopol's last appearance in a finals series there was not a lot of pressure on the Burra.
"I'm sure in the back of of a lot of guys' minds there'll be nerves going into the game.
"We're excited by the challenge.
"We'd love to win this week. go into a second semi, win that one and go straight into the grand final.
"That's be ideal. That's everyone's dream run," Hutchinson said.
The big selection issue for East Point potentially centres on its ruck division.
Jaykeb Lench returns from suspension, but the question remains whether coach Jake Bridges will take a punt and select captain Paul Koderenko, who has missed most of the season with knee issues.
He returned in the reserves against Darley before a last home and away round bye.
Walsh said he was unsure how selection would go, with Roos having the option of giving Koderenko another run in the reserves before making a call.
He said Koderenko was moving well at training and would certainly put his hand up.
"He's a pretty proud man," Walsh said.
Melton meets Sunday in an elimination final at Darley Park on Sunday.