Collingwood and Brisbane both face crunch selection calls ahead of the AFL Grand Final.
But one has been taken out of the Magpies’ hands with a sad sight at training then being confirmed as an injury blow.
Get all the latest selection news in AFL Team Tips!
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AFL GRAND FINAL
COLLINGWOOD v BRISBANE LIONS
Friday September 30, 2:30pm at the MCG
MAGPIES
B: Murphy, Moore, Quaynor
HB: Maynard, Pendlebury, Howe
C: Sidebottom, De Goey, J.Daicos
HF: Hill, Mihocek, Lipinski
F: Elliott, McStay, Hoskin-Elliott
FOL: Cox, McCreery, Crisp
I/C: Mitchell, Cameron, N.Daicos, Markov
EMG: Noble, Macrae, Frampton, Ginnivan
IN: N.Daicos
OUT: Adams (Injured), Ginnivan (Sub)
Team Tips: Star Magpie Taylor Adams has lost his race against time to be fit for the Grand Final. The 30-year-old was once again put through his paces on Tuesday morning at the AIA Centre, pushing to overcome a hamstring strain that saw him miss the Preliminary Final win over the GWS Giants. Adams was the first Magpie on the track but didn’t join his teammates in a light skills session. He remained on the track for about 20 minutes. He ran several 75 and 100 metre run-throughs at close to top speed, picked up some low ground balls and took part in some kicking drills before walking off, cutting a stone-faced figure as he left the track. He did not return to take part in the match simulation drills, and the club later confirmed he had suffered hamstring awareness forcing them to rule him out. Key defender Billy Frampton was stationed as a key forward in match simulation drills for the Magpies ‘A’ side, pointing as a likely inclusion for heartbreak story Daniel McStay. There is also an option for the Pies to go smaller and bring Jack Ginnivan into the starting 22. It’s a difficult decision for McRae and the Collingwood coaching staff.
LIONS
B: Starcevich, Andrews, Gardiner
HB: McKenna, Lester, Coleman
C: McCluggage, Dunkley, Zorko
HF: Cameron, Hipwood, Bailey
F: Rayner, Daniher, Ah Chee
FOL: McInerney, Neale, Berry
I/C: Robertson, McCarthy, Fletcher, Wilmot
EMG: Lyons, Tunstill, Fort, Joyce
IN: Gardiner
OUT: Payne (Injured), Lyons (Sub)
Team Tips: Jack Payne is the one to watch this week as he tries to overcome an ankle injury. He completed open training on Tuesday and underwent extra exercises to test his ankle. He will train on Thursday before a final call on his availability is made. Darcy Gardiner hadn’t played a senior game since round 13 but was brilliant, helping quell the influence of Charlie Curnow. It could make the call slightly easier if there’s any doubt over Payne’s fitness. It should also be noted Chris Fagan has been adamant he sees no benefit on taking risks with players in finals. There aren’t many other selection concerns for the Lions. Lachie Neale landed heavily on his right shoulder during the preliminary final win but played out the match and has been cleared to play on Saturday. Unfortunately for the likes of Jack Gunston and Daniel Rich, the side is simply playing too well for them to break back into the side. Jarryd Lyons could again be called on as the sub.
