Tarr is in the mix for final
BELL Post Hill is weighing up whether to recall big man Justin Tarr for tomorrow’s qualifying final against Thomson.
Panthers coach Brad Martin revealed that Tarr, who has played just eight senior games this season, was in the mix to return.
But the delicate selection call could come down to strategy, with Martin to determine whether the Panthers need more height.
“Being on a big ground like St Albans, it’s tough,” Martin said.
“I know Renn Lovitt did it for a long time, but we made a decision last year to play the two ruckmen and we thought it was a good ploy tactically to have both of them available, so that one can go forward.
“So we’ve got to weigh that up, whether we go one ruckman and let someone pinch hit or play both. I’m sure it’s something Thomson will be looking at with Alex Bowles and their second ruckman.”
Martin said the weather forecast would also play a part in the decision.
“It’s going to be nice and dry, and nice and sticky for a tall bloke, so we’ll work through it,” Martin said.
“It’s more about positional stuff and match-ups and it gives us a bit of a headache. We’re just glad that we can forecast finals football weather.
“It’s meant to be 18C and 10km/h winds and we haven’t had that. It’s been the worst year weather-wise. So it will just be perfect.”
The Tigers have had the Panthers’ measure twice this season, winning by 10 points in Round 2 and 27 points in Round 13. But Martin said his side won’t be distracted by past results.
“The two games we’ve played them have been wind blown, wet, dirty games,” he said. “And while they were the better team on both occasions, it’s going to be a different scenario this time.”
Bell Post Hill playmaker Rhys Burke has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Hurting his hamstring in the clash against Inverleigh in Round 15, Burke’s 2018 campaign appeared done.
But he returned to training and launched into rehab in a bid to play finals.
Try as he might, Burke was later dealt some crushing news.
“He’s had a flare-up from the operation,” Martin said.
“We thought he would be OK. He went down against Inverleigh, but he was back training on the Tuesday night.
“But he went to get an MRI and there was a bit of fluid around the surgery point, so it’s pretty doubtful that he’ll return.”