Bendigo Advertiser | The BFNL has been hard hit by injuries and unavailability, particularly in the front half, with Stephen Milne (unavailable), Corey Jones (injured) and Ben Weightman (injured) all ruled out of the clash with Ballarat.
That trio combined for 14 of Bendigo’s 19 goals in last year’s 34-point win over Gippsland.
Milne, who kicked nine goals to be best on ground against Gippsland, hasn't played for Strathfieldsaye since April 12. He injured his ankle in the round two win over Eaglehawk, but has played one-off matches for Penguin and Chelsea in recent weeks.
Golden Square key forward Travis Baird and Strathfieldsaye duo Matt Ferguson and David Gallagher are also out of the squad because of injuries, while Kyneton’s Alik and Rhys Magin are unavailable, leaving Ladson with less depth through the middle of the ground and inside forward 50.
There's also fitness doubts surrounding Strathfieldsaye duo Matthew Ferguson and Kallen Geary as well as Gisborne skipper Casey Summerfield.
Sandhurst’s Lachlan Ross and Golden Square’s Brayden Dorrington were rewarded for their great form by being added to the squad.
“It’s not ideal losing a few of those players, but we have some great coverage across the league,’’ Ladson said.
“We haven’t had much luck with all the injuries around the place, but the depth of our league is very good.
“It opens the door for some other guys to get their chance.
“Obviously, we’re going to have a different look in the forward line this year, but that’s exciting.”
The good news for Ladson and the BFNL is that Strathfieldsaye star Sam Mildren looks set to play.
The Storm’s grand final hero in 2014 has had to be managed by the club this year because of his ongoing injury concerns, but he has put his hand up to play inter-league footy.
“Sam trained last Wednesday and is super keen to play which is great for us,’’ Ladson said.
“He’s a quality player, so we’re very happy to have him.”
A combination of Sandhurst’s Matt Thornton, Golden Square’s Ryan Herring, Strathfieldsaye’s Tom Bartholomew and Kangaroo Flat’s Cam Rinaldi will play as the other two tall forwards for the BFNL.
The BFNL squad will train at Castlemaine on Wednesday at 6.30pm.
