Brett Kitching sitting on sideline

Bundaberg Toyota Spirit’s round one clash with North Queensland Razorbacks is just two weeks away and star midfielder Brett Kitching is sitting on the sidelines.

The Spirit stalwart tweaked his calf muscle in a trial at Moore Park earlier this year, and felt it go again when he attempted to train last week.

Kitching was kicking himself for coming back too soon, but still rates himself a chance of starting in a fortnight’s time.

“I probably came back before the calf was quite ready, so I’ll make sure it’s right before I do any heavy training again,” he said.

“I’m probably back at 80% now, and I’m getting physio all week and it’s coming back slowly.”

The Spirit really needs to start the season with all guns blazing, but even if Kitching makes a return the side is likely to be missing Aaron Bakker.

The midfielder is struggling with a knee ligament strain, and is only able to run in a straight line at this stage.

“He’s still a couple of weeks away,” Kitching said.

Without their stars the Spirit is likely to find the going tough, something Kitching is well aware of.

“We need everyone on deck from the word go — we need those results from the outset to set a precedent for the rest of the season,” he said. “We have a lot of young guys in the team and they’ll take time to get a taste.”

They had a good chance in Gladstone at the weekend against the Cougars.

With Matt Mills and Rob Thatcher also missing it was the Spirit’s youth that took centre stage.

“They struggled early, but once they caught up with the pace they played some good football,” Kitching said.

With a full complement the former Spirit captain believes the team is good enough to push for a finals spot.

“We know the level we need to be at and, particularly with the northern sides, we know we can match it,” he said.

Their first game is at home against the Razorbacks, at 7pm on March 27.