ALTONA Football Club's finals hopes in the Western Region Football League have taken a hit before the season starts, with serious injuries to two of its main players.
Injuries to captain Aaron Freeland and Brett Shiels in a recent intra-club match could prove most damaging.
"We've had a bit of a horror run of injuries during the pre-season," president Barrie Muschialli said.
"Aaron and Brett are big losses for us - they are important players."
Both will miss most, or all, of the season with Freeland having a broken leg and Shiels requiring a knee reconstruction.
While the club will miss both, it has recruited a number of players in the off-season. "We recruited several guys and now they'll have to stand up and fill the spots," Muschialli said.
On the upside, Altona has managed to retain its core group over the summer.
Altona had a solid pre-season with a number of younger players stepping up.
"Last year's under-18 best and fairest winner Alex Vivoda has been extremely good on the track," Muschialli said. "Tyler Healy, Lee Baker and Rheece Miles are among the other standouts."
Despite the injury to key players, Muschialli is confident of making the finals.
"We are a fit and exciting side and hopefully we can finish in the top five."
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