YOUNG Inglewood star Gabe Nevins is a chance to return this week against Mitiamo.
Nevins, last season’s Loddon Valley Rising Star, has missed six weeks with a serious foot injury, the latest in a string of setbacks in the past two years.
However, coach Fergus Payne is hopeful Nevins will be one of a handful of senior players able to prove their fitness to face the Superoos as the Woodies push for a finals spot.
Last season, Nevins suffered a fractured fibula and kneecap, and also missed multiple weeks with concussion after an incident against Newbridge.
After a strong pre-season it was hoped he could have a good run at staying fit for 2025, but against Calivil at the end of May he again broke down.
“Poor young fellow,” Payne lamented. “He had the fractured leg and concussion last year but had a really good start to this season.
“Hopefully there will be no more setbacks, and we can get him fit and firing.
“As a footballer you want to be playing football, so we want to get him back and involved.”
Payne said Nevins’ versatility was among his strengths and made him an indispensable component of the senior team.
“Gabe can settle in multiple positions. We love his run off half-back and he can also play in the midfield.
Payne’s focus is on getting his team healthy so he can have consistency at the selection table as well as consistent football on the field.
The Woodies are sixth on the ladder, half a game behind Maiden Gully. Five rounds remain, but Inglewood has the bye in the last round.
The side would be expected to beat Mitiamo and last-placed Calivil but has a tough match against Pyramid Hill before meeting Maiden Gully in the team’s final match. That clash may well determine the make up of the final five.