Warners Bay coach Marty Reiman is confident the Bulldogs will continue giving a good account of themselves but remains desperate to get a few more of his injured troops back on the Black Diamond Cup park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Reiman said the casualty ward at Feighan Oval had now reached at least 10 top grade players, including some his best performers, as the Bulldogs prepare to host defending champions Newcastle City on Saturday.
"We have so many players out at the moment, it's bordering on ridiculous," Reiman said.
"There's at least 10 first-choice players on the sidelines and that would have an impact on any team.
"But against Terrigal last week it was pleasing, we were only down 12.6 [goals] so our endeavour is certainly there.
"We'll have 22 players turn up again and we'll still compete hard."
Warners Bay, who have now lost five of their last six games after opening with four wins from six appearances, sit equal fifth on the overall standings.
Bulldogs midfielder Jake Roach (wrist) was the latest to join the list on the weekend.
He will be sidelined next to fellow injured teammates Matthew Spinks (ankle), Lincoln Stewart (ankle), Isaiah Olsen (broken leg) and Riley Warner (dislocated knee).
Jarryd May and Leo Vo both have work commitments while Alex Crelly (away) is also unavailable.
Warners Bay meet fellow top six sides Singleton and Terrigal Avoca on the run home to finals as well as Gosford, Wyong Lakes and Maitland.
"Hopefully we get three or four back next weekend against Gosford," Reiman said.
However, the Bulldogs welcome the return of Oscar Anderson to the interchange bench while regular forward Ryan Sorensen shifts to the halfback line.
Elsewhere in round 13 on Saturday and 2018 Elliott Davey Medal winner Tim Oosterhoff boosts Killarney Vale, who are away to Cardiff.
Singleton travel to Gosford, Wyong Lakes meet Maitland and Nelson Bay forfeited to competition leaders Terrigal Avoca.
