Injuries have struck at a bad time for Navarre as they enter a tough month of Football in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League.
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Navarre has suffered nine injuries to senior players in recent weeks and with the majority of the under 17 players unavailable, coach Daniel Parkin will be forced to look at the reserves.
Tomorrow Navarre take on Maldon in what will be their easiest game in the coming weeks, but with injuries to their key players anything is possible.
"Injuries are never good, but we have to remain positive," Parkin said.
"We have slowly been getting a build up of injuries, but we are still able to win games. If we can keep getting over the line with limited numbers then we will be better for it when those senior players return."
Maldon too have been hit with injuries with Joel Cross missing last week and a possibility of missing this weekend's game as well.
Other Maldon players that Navarre will need to watch are Tom Cain and Hayden Kelly who are leaders both on and off the ground.
The Navarre under 17 team, who remain undefeated, meet a fellow undefeated team in Newstead which means they will need to be at full strength, again limiting the players Parkin has to choose from.
"You can't afford to take too many of the juniors when they have a tough game," Parkin said.
"As much as senior football helps them improve, under 17s is their first priority."
On a small and narrow Maldon ground Parkin is expecting the game to be congested and low scoring.
"In recent years it has been hard to get a win on their ground," Parkin said.
Maldon are a team that are rebuilding since losing players in the off season, so it is a good opportunity for some new players to have a run around.
Brent Flood will be one player who may return after suffering a dislocated elbow, but that decision is being left up to Flood himself.
"It will be entirely up to Floody if he wants to play or not," Parkin said.
Paul Carson, Aaron Slorach, Riley Bibby and James McKenny were all a chance of playing senior football tomorrow.
"We have plenty of options for players. It's good, as it gives everyone a chance," Parkin said.