Canberra utility Alex Paech is confident ruckman Luke Jamieson will thrive if given the chance to fill the void left by injured big man Josh Maynard.
Maynard could be sidelined for the remainder of the 2019 NEAFL season after suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury in the opening minutes of Saturday's 11-point loss to Sydney University in Blacktown.
Jamieson, who spent four years with NBL franchise the Illawarra Hawks before joining the Mount Gambier Pioneers has played three NEAFL games for Canberra so far this season.
"Obviously there will be a big hole left in the team after Josh's injury," Paech told canberrademons.com.au.
"Josh has been really good for us all year and it’s a shame his season could potentially be cut short.
"Fortunately that gives Luke the opportunity to step up and I think he will be really keen to come back in and prove he belongs at NEAFL level.
"Making such a big transition from basketball to football it’s safe to say that he will only improve with more exposure.
"I think it’s a really good time for him to come back and play with a bit of freedom."