Lyons damaged an ACL in the clash against Wallamba on September 5 and it has been confirmed she will have to undergo knee surgery.

"Mia's been playing well,'' Ratz coach Dave Rees said.

"It's unfortunate for her to miss the semi-finals.''

The loss of Lyons will also upset the Ratz game plan for Saturday's minor semi-final against Gloucester at Taree.

Utility player Bridie Maloney will now start in the centres. Maloney usually plays from the bench and covers a number of backline positions.

However, the Ratz will welcome captain Jess Maher back for the clash and Rees said he'll again look for Maher and fellow forwards Sheridan Clarke and Nakita Ridgeway to provide the platform. He said if they get the side going forward it will make it easier for creative halfback Lucy Green to weave some magic.

The Ratz missed nine attempts at goal in the recent match against Wallamba and this ultimately cost them the game. Green took on the goal kicking duties for the final round clash against Old Bar and nailed all but one attempt. She'll have be taking the shots tomorrow. However, the Ratz were always going to beat the Clams. Goal kicking could be important in tomorrow's result.

Rees isn't concerned about piling too much responsibility on the 16-year-old Green.

"Lucy gets a bit nervous before a game, but once she's out there, she just goes. She's a freak,'' Rees said.

Of more concern for the coach if the 10.45 kickoff. The zone has ruled that sides can only have eight interchanges. It's been unlimited interchange for the women's games this year.

"I don't think they've taken into consideration that we've extended the season a month and we're now coming into warmer weather,'' Rees said.

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"It's the same for all the teams, suddenly we're only allowed eight interchanges.''

Gloucester won the first round game against the Ratz at Gloucester, with the Ratz taking the points in the second round at Taree.

Wauchope will play Wallamba in the major semi.