The Lions have only made one change to the 22 which defeated the Sydney Swans last weekend, with half-forward Tim Notting the unlucky player dropped.
Notting, rugged vice-captain Chris Scott and midfielder Aaron Shattock have been named as the emergencies, however Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews said all three are still chances to play, with the team not to be finalised until after Friday afternoon’s training session at the Albert cricket ground in Melbourne.
Uncertainty still shrouds the condition of star wingman Nigel Lappin, who – along with veterans Alastair Lynch and Martin Pike – will have to prove his fitness during the session.
Matthews was more upbeat about Lappin’s chances of playing with a rib injury that he was earlier in the week, saying the All-Australian would be 100 per cent fit if he is picked to play.
“I think Nigel will be 100 per cent fit,” Matthews said at Brisbane airport on Thursday afternoon before the team flew to Melbourne.
“If he’s plays he’ll be 100 per cent. It’s the kind of situation (where) he’ll either be OK or he’s won’t.”
Matthews would not discuss suggestions that Lappin will require a protective vest and pain-killing injections in order to play.
However the coach declared that a fit Lappin would be capable of receiving any physical treatment the Magpies would undoubtedly send his way.
“He won’t play unless he’s capable of being able to take whatever is dished out,” Matthews said.
“We’d be silly to put him on the field expecting he’s going to play non-contact footy, because it doesn’t happen.”
Lynch (thigh) and Pike (hamstring) did not train during the main session at the Gabba on Wednesday because of niggling injuries they have been carrying.
Captain Michael Voss also did not participate, but he will again rest his troublesome knee on Friday afternoon in order to stay fresh for Saturday.
Matthews expects all three to play.
“The guys who didn’t train last night have to have a run around tomorrow night to make sure we know they’re OK. Vossy’s in a different category,” the coach said.
“I don’t know Nigel’s availability until tomorrow afternoon. I’d be very surprised if Lynchy and Pikey aren’t available for sure, but they’ve got to prove it tomorrow afternoon too.”
Matthews said Scott (groin) and Shattock (knee) were both 100 per cent fit, but their lack of match time in the past four weeks counted against them.
Ashcroft, who turned 32 on Thursday, returned after having missed only one match with a minor knee injury.
After signing a one-year contract at the end of last season, the 317-game veteran will consider retirement after Saturday.
At the other end of the continuum is 20-year-old midfielder Richard Hadley, who has maintained his position in the side for what will be just his fourth match of senior football.
“We confirmed to Richard that he had maintained his spot in the selected 22 because he would have been wondering,” Matthews said.
“But clearly any one of the 25 could play, let’s not beat around the bush. But you have to name a 22 plus three emergencies.
“We think he’s made a good contribution over the last three weeks which is why he’s held his spot.”
