WESTERN Bulldog defender Matt Suckling has been troubled by his sore Achilles during Tuesday's training session as he attempts to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday's Grand Final.
Exclusive pictures by AFL Photos' Michael Willson caught Suckling reaching twice for his troublesome left Achilles during the first half of Tuesday's light run at Whitten Oval.
Despite the defender's apparent discomfort during the session, Dogs assistant coach Steven King said the club was optimistic he would be fit to play on Saturday.
Mega-preview: Grand Final, Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs
Suckling missed the Bulldogs' thrilling preliminary final win over Greater Western Sydney after failing to recover from the semi-final win over his former club Hawthorn.
With two premierships from his time at the Hawks, Suckling is the only player on the Dogs list to have played in a flag and his experience will be valuable.
Taking the pre-finals bye into account, Suckling, 28, has played just four games in eight weeks leading into the Dogs' biggest game in 55 years.
Matt Suckling feels his sore left Achilles ahead of a kicking drill. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
Suckling reaches again for his left Achilles about 20 minutes later. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos
