Craigieburn Eagles could be forgiven for thinking they’d broken a mirror or walked under a ladder.
The Big V division 2 side has had a horrible run of injuries, leaving them without a number of key players.
Throw in visa problems for star import Jonathan Maybank and the Eagles have had a tough start to the season.
And it got even worse on Saturday night, when the Eagles were beaten by Altona, their third loss in a row and the fourth of the season.
Coach Dennis McNamara said the loss of the injured players was having an impact.
“It was disappointing not to win but you don’t normally get seven or eight injuries at the same time,” he said.
“We had only seven of our normal squad. We’ve lost four of our five starters and our captain,
Liam Watt, did his hamstring during the game.
“We played pretty well, considering.”
The Eagles started well against Gators, opening up a 10point lead by quartertime.
But the Gators bench proved to be stronger in the second quarter and it got them back into the game.
It was an even second half but the Gators came out on top 93-84.
For more photos of Craigieburn vs Altona, CLICK HERE
McNamara said there were various time frames for when his key players would return.
“Robert Toller-Bond has hurt his groin and will miss 10 to 12 weeks,” he said.
“We’re not sure how serious Liam’s hammy is but he’s likely to miss four to six weeks.
“There are a couple of ankle injuries as well.”
McNamara said he was hoping US import Maybank would be able to take to the court in the next couple of weeks.
“He’s our number one player,” McNamara said.
“He’s currently on a bridging visa and he can do everything but play basketball. He hasn’t missed a training session and is training harder than everyone else.
“He’s training seven days a week.”
All the Eagles’ injuries have allowed some of the young players get more of an opportunity.
Jaak Ponsford has had a big increase in minutes, while Gene Vocale and Abraham Solano are two youth league players who have had taken the step up.
The Eagles sit 3-4 after seven rounds.
“We’ve only been blown out in one game so far,” McNamara said.
“If we can stay even with the ledger, 4-4 then 505 and so on, until we get everyone back we’ll be happy. I think we’ll still be in the mix.”
Craigieburn’s women’s side had the bye.
