Injury setbacks will hurt Collie, Donnybrook
THE Collie Eagles have had an early pre-season set back, with key forward Tony Mirabella suffering a knee injury in a practise match earlier this month.
Mirabella, who was Collie's leading goal kicker last season with 57 goals in 18 matches, suffered the injury against Busselton.
Collie coach Brad Humble said the Eagles hoped to have Mirabella back on the field by mid-July.
"Trying to replace 60 to 70 goals from one person is not going to happen and we just need a more even contribution across the board now," he said.
"He has a serious knee injury and we don't know how long he is going to be out for.
"We are confident we have some young kids who can come through."
Humble said Mirabella would now concentrate his efforts on being an assistant coach - a role he took up this year with the club.
In other injury news, former Collingwood and Collie forward Shannon Cox has broken his ankle just weeks after being recruited by Donnybrook.
Cox, who played 25 games for the Magpies and kicked six goals, crossed to the Dons along with Collie midfielder Chris Cross.
Coach David Lewis said Cox was a class player and he would have loved to have him in the side when he is fit.
"He has broken his ankle once before," Lewis said.
"It is doubtful he will able to play this year.
"We are not 100 per cent sure how long he will be out for, but initial discussions indicated he could be out for the year."
Meanwhile, a number of clubs will play practise matches over the weekend.
Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault play Boyup Brook in Brunswick, Carey Park will take on Bunbury at Kelly Park, Harvey play Waroona in Harvey, Busselton battle Ocean Ridge, Collie travel to Mandurah to play the Mandurah Mustangs and Donnybrook host Bridgetown on Sunday.
