Eagles to miss Burdon

NEW NORFOLK will go into its top-of-the-ladder SFL clash with Lindisfarne at Boyer today missing star forward Adrian Burdon.

The Eagles have lost arguably the most padded man in Aussie Rules football for four to six weeks after he dislocated his shoulder in last week's 148-point win over Central Hawks, the team he used to coach.

The loss of ``Chopper'', renowned for his heavily-padded left knee, was off-set by the return of two other key Eagles.

Captain Brad Carver has recovered from the ankle injury that forced the big ruckman's withdrawal at the 11th hour last Saturday.

The most interesting move from New Norfolk was the return of prolific ball-winner Zeb Graham, back from Queensland.

Graham had been playing for the Redland Bombers but returned home and last weekend played his first game back in New Norfolk's reserves.

He showed the form that made him one of the club's best players and was elevated to the seniors.

New Norfolk rules top spot with an undefeated record and massive percentage.

Close behind is Lindisfarne, also undefeated, but with a bye under its belt.

The Blues are the side most likely to challenge the Eagles for the premiership, making today's contest a gauge of their hopes of stopping the Valley boys from going all the way.

Lindisfarne coach Daniel Willing is pleased with his side's winning record but he wants them to step up the intensity against New Norfolk.

``We've been winning but our early season form could have been better,'' Willing said.

``Our last game against Dodges Ferry was fantastic. We started to hit some good form with an even contribution from 22 players instead of blokes flashing in and out of the game.''

The battle of Boyer will be won down the centre corridor.

``We've never played there as a group, but some of the players have had experience there,'' Willing said.

In other games, Huonville is at home to the Central Hawks, Brighton takes on Triabunna at Pontville, Claremont plays Cygnet at Abbotsfield Park, Kingborough meets Sorell at Kingston Beach and Dodges Ferry has the bye.