YELLOW AND BLACK: Geelong VFL captain Tim McGrath is planning to play footy this weekend.

Wednesday, June 18
DAVID DAVUTOVIC

GROVEDALE will unveil its prized new recruit on Saturday when it hosts league-leaders St Mary's at Burdoo Reserve.

Geelong VFL captain Tim McGrath will line up in defence as he attempts to help the Tigers stop the rampaging Saints, who have only lost one game all season.

McGrath has only played two matches for Geelong this season after undergoing ankle surgery in the pre-season.

He missed last week's win over North Ballarat after the ankle started playing up again but he's ready to go and eager to clock up some kilometres.

``The ankle feels OK now, it was a bit ordinary last week,'' McGrath said.

``At the start of the year I didn't plan on playing in the GFL at all because I didn't think I'd get injured and miss that many games.

``I've only played two halves of footy in 10 weeks so I just need to get some matches under my belt.''

Two of McGrath's employees, Matt Bruhn and Lee Van Gills, can be credited with his appearance at Burdoo Reserve.

McGrath has watched Grovedale on a number of occasions this year but he isn't promising the Tigers' faithful any miracles.

``I hope people aren't thinking that I'm going to go out and win the game for Grovedale,'' he said.

``It will be a pretty tough game and hopefully I can just help them out, get a few kicks and get a bit fitter.''

Grovedale coach Marty Christensen was even more diplomatic than McGrath himself.

With the two sides eight places apart, Christensen said it would take a massive lift from the whole squad if they were a chance to win.

``We've got to see him run out onto the ground first, then I'll be happy,'' Christensen said.

``We've got a quality player into the side and he can teach the younger kids things about game preparation.

``But we're not expecting him to come out and win the game off his own boot, but he'll play his role.

``He can provide a positive mood but the bottom line is we have got to rely on a number of players lifting.''

Grovedale's chances could be further bolstered with the inclusion of midfielder Leigh McCorkell from persistent injury problems.

McGrath has ruled out the possibility of lining up in the interleague grand final against Goulburn Valley next month. ``I would find it very hard to go out and play after only one match anyway, I wouldn't do it just on principle,'' McGrath said.

``It's hard enough playing this week and putting someone out of the Grovedale team.''