MATILDA Flood's work in the ruck was a crucial factor in the Bathurst Giants' success on grand final day last year, but if a 2020 AFL Central West season goes ahead the defending premiers will need a replacement.
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Flood, who was named best on ground in last year's 7-8-50 to 4-1-25 grand final win over the Bathurst Lady Bushrangers, will not be back this season.
Her tackling aggression, her penetrating runs and her thumping kicks will all be missed by the Giants if coronavirus restrictions ease enough for a AFL Central West season to go ahead.
But perhaps the biggest hole the departing Flood will leave is in the ruck.
"The ruck position is one I am not too sure about at the moment and that's going to be difficult with not being able to have contact training at the moment," Giants coach Liz Kennedy said.
"It's going to be hard without contact training to work out some positions, but you know, we'll manage."
Maitlda Flood is not the only member of the premiership winning side who will not return this season.
Her sister Olivia Flood has departed as has forward Danita Lane, who booted four majors in the grand final victory.
It means Kennedy will have to shuffle things, but she has faith her squad can adjust to any challenge as has been the case for the past two seasons.
"There'll be some positional changes we have to make," the coach said.
"But the girls know a lot more about AFL now, so the girls we've got will certainly fill those holes, they are good across the park."
