RICHMOND midfielder Anthony Miles has mounted a late bid for September selection with a commanding performance in the VFL Tigers' thrilling elimination final win against Collingwood on Saturday.
The Tigers will also have the option of playing a second tall forward through the finals after big man Ben Griffiths showed some impressive signs and built fitness after a season ruined by injuries.
Miles was best afield on Saturday with 37 possessions (19 contested), nine clearances, six inside 50s and a goal, standing up during a thrilling finale that saw the Magpies pinch a late lead through a clutch Chris Mayne goal.
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The Tigers hit back through Sam Lloyd (36 possessions), with Jake Batchelor sealing the result with a late goal as the Tigers progress to face the Casey Demons in a semi final next week.
The Tigers chose not to select forward Josh Caddy, who trained strongly on Friday as he returns from a hamstring injury, while tall pair Todd Elton and Ivan Soldo were cut from the extended squad pre-game.
Mayne, whose future at Collingwood has been thrown into doubt after comments from coach Nathan Buckley on Friday, stood up late in the fourth quarter to give the Magpies a one-point lead.
He missed a set shot from 45m minutes later, however, with Buckley an onlooker in a Magpies contingent that included president Eddie McGuire and football manager Geoff Walsh.
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Other Tigers pushing for senior selection on Saturday were Corey Ellis, who was best afield in the first half and finished with 26 possessions, and Jayden Short, who was dangerous with 23 disposals.
Senior listed Tigers Reece Conca, Shai Bolton, Shaun Hampson and Connor Menadue also lined up in front of a crowd that included coach Damien Hardwick and star players Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt.
Meanwhile in the NEAFL, Sydney midfielder Dan Robinson impressed in the Swans' big win against Gold Coast, capping a strong month that should see him come under consideration for Saturday's elimination final against Essendon.
Robinson collected 28 possessions and had seven marks and a goal, backing up from his 35 possessions and six clearances against the Suns a fortnight ago. His last month in the NEAFL has seen him average 31.5 disposals.
Other AFL-listed players to impress in the Swans' 68-point win were Harry Cunningham (24 possessions and two goals), who lined up in the Swans' round 23 win against Carlton, and James Rose (23 and four).
The Swans' NEAFL team progressed to a Grand Final clash against the Brisbane Lions that will be held at the SCG next Saturday night, following the AFL elimination final between the Swans and Essendon.
