AS coaches and players look forward to a new season they are full of buzz and excitement about what could follow, but by round 12 they have a fair idea of where they are heading.
Both the Mallee Eagles and Lake Boga Magpies had a chance to qualify for the 2016 Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) finals series but were hampered by injuries to key players throughout the year.
While the Lalbert side is seeing some reprieve from its woes, the Magpies have had up to 11 players ruled out for the season.
In a surprise twist, the Eagles welcomed back Nathaniel Kendell on the weekend after a scary back injury, also including young talent Brady Fordham.
On the other side of the coin, Lake Boga watched two more of their players limp off the field.
Despite the tough year, Mallee Eagles president Geoff Kendell said next year was looking better.
“(Watching Fordham and Kendell return) was a great thing, it gives the club some heart to see those boys being able to play footy again,” he said.
“2017 is looking better, and hopefully no more injuries are involved.
“It has been a long tough season, especially in the seniors who have not stopped trying.”
Over the past few weeks, the Mallee Eagles had key forward Andrew McDonald also return to the field after a long lay off.
Although there are some positives, Eagle Dave Sheehan broke his arm and had six operations for various complications, ending his career.
Down at Lake Boga, coach Jeremy Gleeson is still trying to contend with the injuries crippling his side.
Injuries have been a common theme for the Magpies, but it has eventually taken its toll on the side as they failed to capitalise on must win games.
Gleeson was astounded at the amount of compound injuries to players.
“It has made it really hard the last few weeks, it upsets the structures we have and how we go about planning the game,” he said.
“We know other clubs have had their injury worries too, but it is unfortunate for us to have it happen so late in the year.
“We were aiming for the top five six weeks ago and now we have missed out purely because of the personnel on the ground.
“There are no curses, it is just hard luck. If it was soft tissue injuries, we would look at our warm up and training, but when it is impact, there isn’t much you can do.”
