Panthers monitor players’ health after bruising semi-final loss
BELL Post Hill will monitor the health and fitness of several players after a bruising semifinal loss to Inverleigh on Saturday.
Jordan Flaccavento was sent to hospital after suffering a suspected kidney injury on an afternoon when the Panthers also lost Tane Rabbas to a groin injury.
Bell Post Hill’s run of seven straight finals wins came to an end on Saturday at the hands of a relentless Hawks side — but the Panthers are still alive in the GDFL premiership race by virtue of the double chance.
“It was a tough day to have a few guys go down early, but we had plans in place,” Bell Post Hill coach Brad Martin said after the 12.14 (86) to 7.12 (54) loss.
“That second quarter really cost us because we had that four-to-five goal wind, but we only kicked the one with it.
“To be five goals (down) at halftime cost us, but ultimately it was pretty even for the rest of the game.”
Flaccavento will likely join Daniel Walve and Matt Lentini (both ankle injuries) on the sidelines this week.
“‘Flacca’ wasn’t urinating blood or anything like that, but he’s gone to hospital as a precautionary measure,” Martin said.
Bell Post Hill sprung a selection surprise, promoting reserves player and former Sunshine ball winner Russell Douglas for his first senior game of the season.
The 34-year-old took out the WRFL’s Division 1 Barry Priest Medal in 2007 before crossing over to the Panthers in June last year.
“It was one that we snuck in once we knew Daniel Walve would need one more week, so we didn’t want to risk it,” Martin said.
Shane Lymer, who led the possession count for the game, was named as the Panthers’ best.
Both he and teammate Adrian Fantella will aim for an 11th straight grand final appearance if the Panthers can return to the winners’ list this weekend.