Possible return of injured Leopold stars a race against time
LEOPOLD coach Guy Morphet has conceded captain Sam Hughes and defender Daniel Pitcher are “racing time” to be fit for this weekend’s preliminary final.
Hughes was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s semi-final loss to St Mary’s with a quad injury, while Pitcher (leg) has not been seen since Round 16.
Leopold could have done with the pair against St Mary’s, with the shock loss leaving the minor premier at risk of a straight-sets finals series exit.
Morphet said he was willing to take the risk with Pitcher, after admitting his side had “too many passengers” in the loss to St Mary’s.
“He’s definitely racing time at the moment, but certainly if he can train this week and present himself I’ll look at rolling the dice with that,” Morphet said.
“Sam Hughes, our captain, is trying to fight time too. So if there were some guys that thought their performances were down today they probably need to make sure they apply themselves properly on the track this week.”
The first-year coach said he is “quietly confident” Hughes would return.
“He needed an extra week,” Morphet said.
“I’m quietly confident, but he’s got to train and get through, I’m not going to take guys in who are 20 per cent fit.”
Former Geelong defender Tom Ruggles also suffered what appeared to be a shoulder injury in the third term, favouring his already strapped right shoulder after coming down on it during a tackle. But he returned to play out the game.