Paul Barnard and Mark Mercuri were late inclusions into the team when the skipper James Hird (slight hamstring strain) and youngster Jason Winderlich (groin) were late withdrawals. Not only was it an opportunity for the pair to come back into the senior side after a stint in the VFL, it was also a chance for Barnard to play his 150th game. A milestone that had been impending for the last few weeks.
“The important thing is that we won the match. It was a crucial game for us and it is no secret we need to keep winning to keep our finals aspirations alive,” Barnard said. Barnard agreed it was disappointing to see the quarter-time lead dwindle away to five points at the major break. “We went away from our game plan and they kicked five quick goals to put them back in the match.
“It was hard work in the wet conditions but we kept persisting and working hard and in the end we came away with the win. The win was crucial to keep in touch with the top eight. We need to win the next three to four to have every chance of making the finals,” Barnard said.
The only disappointing news to come out of the win was the injury to Andrew Welsh. Welsh left the match 15 minutes into the first quarter with a suspected shoulder injury. He took no further part in the match and at this stage the severity of the injury is not fully known. Despite missing today’s match, at this stage Hird is likely to be available for the match against Carlton next week.