Taylor, who is part of the Sydney Swans academy, landed awkwardly after flying high for a mark in the win over Warners Bay.

"He is a positive kid," Knight said of the 17-year-old. "Hopefully he is back for the finals. I spoke to him on Thursday and he is keen to get into it and make sure he does all the work. It could have a silver lining for him. If he looks after himself, is diligent with his recovery and rehab it will be a good thing to show the Swans."

Taylor is one of five key men missing for the Blues' AFL Hunter Central Coast grudge match against Cardiff at against Pasterfield Sports Complex on Saturday.

Captain Matt Bailey is getting married, which Knight and Ian Baker are attending. Hugh Blanchfield has bruised ribs.

Fraser Carroll replaces Taylor in the forward line.

"Hopefully Fraser can apply pressure and create some turnovers for us in our forward 50," Knight said. "If he does the hard work there, the results will come for him."

Stephen Batten, Mitch Thompson and Liam Dywer come into the midfield.

"It's not ideal to have three midfielders out but it will be a good test of our depth," Knight said. "It is a chance for some guys to add strings to their bow. We are trying to be pretty flexible. Sometimes things don't work on the weekend and you need to move magnets."

Cardiff are coming off a 78-point loss to Killarney Vale and were upset by Warners Bay at home. They will also be without suspended captain Bryce Graetz, who was this week given three weeks for rough conduct.

"With the injury toll now at 18, it's opened the door for some new faces to open their account," Cardiff coach Mitch Ede said. "Returning veterans Mattie Vukovich, Jack Pratt, Joel Campbell and Nick Tomlinson will give us some confidence in defence, with exciting half forwards Denzil Cutmore and Sam Hemsley-Hacket coming in for their Cup debuts.

"Forward line pressure and centre clearances will be the key to competing against a classy City side."

Knight remained wary of the Hawks despite their recent challenges.

"They have had a few results they probably wouldn't be happy about," Knight said. "It is their old boys day ... we see it as a real challenge to back up a good performance last week.""They have a few youngers guys who give them pace and we are wary of them trying to get the ball on the outside.

"Through the middle Marcus Deleur is one of few big bodies. They definitely have some class."

In other games, Warners Bay face a tough assignment against premiers Terrigal-Avoca at Feighan Oval, Nelson Bay are home to Gosford and Singleton host Killarney Vale.