Woodsmen take on Morningside in early finals preview

The Woodsmen head to Morningside tonight to take on a strong Morningside outfit fresh from a dominant victory over previously undefeated ladder leaders - Sandgate last week.

The Woodsmen held on earlier in the year for 7 point win at home and with a vastly different looking side will look to maintain their winning form away from home.

After naming a strong looking side on Thursday, the Woodies have been rocked by injury and illness with several key players now out of the side to add to those already unavailable - but with strong depth the Woodies are still looking the goods, with several players looking to put their best foot forward and keep those injured and ill out of the side next week.

The backline is again a strength for the Woodies, with Paul Eaton returning to full back and the ever green Sam Long in some vintage form across half back in recent weeks, filling the key centre half back role in the absence of Tim Green.  Blake Barkley is also in solid form this year, while Matty Prior has looked to build nicely after a late start due to injury.  Kiran Verma also moves from a wing to half back after a successful experiment earlier in the year.

In the centre, Lachy Woods returns after missing 3 weeks and on the wings will be debutant Elliot Heath and Lochie McDonald after a week out due to travel.  Making up the on-ball division will be Thomson in the ruck, Hockley in for his first game of the year and the in form Sam Curtis - creating a formidable midfield. 

Across half forward Garland will start on a flank, changing on the bal, Gerard Moore returns to Centre Half Forward and dual Premiership skipper Sean Toohey will be on the other flank to add skill and experience up front.

Deep forward will be player coach Mihalopoulos and Greg Matthews in the pockets with Jay Baker willing the key post in his 2nd game back from injury.  Baker looked dangerous last week in his return and will relish being closer to goal.

It will be an important game for ladder position, and the Woodies will be looking to get on top of their younger opponents early.

Get down to Jack Esplen for a look!