The Crows forward returned to the side last weekend against the Western Bulldogs after missing three matches to recover from brain bruising. But it is Porplyzia’s suspect shoulder which will force him to miss the final and he will now have a shoulder reconstruction as soon as possible to prepare for the 2009 season.
Ruckman/forward Brad Moran has been recalled after one week back in the SANFL while Brent Reilly, Ken McGregor and Bryce Campbell are listed as the emergencies.
Coach Neil Craig said the final decision was made after a discussion with Porplyzia on Wednesday afternoon.
“The bottom line is that the state of the shoulder is a bit different to how it was for most of the season, it’s looser and more likely to come out,” Craig said. “He can play but there are now more situations where he is limited in what he can do. It came back to his ability to perform and the risk of going into an elimination final and possibly being a player down.
“Jason did a great job for us last week – he’s been great for us all season and helped us into the finals. He set a great example for the playing group with his desire to play and perform.”
Moran, Kurt Tippett, David Mackay, Ivan Maric and Bernie Vince will play in their first AFL final.
Adelaide’s squad trains from 10am on Friday at AAMI Stadium.
The team is:
B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: McLeod, Bock, Doughty
C: Symes, Goodwin, Mackay
HF: van Berlo, Stevens, Douglas
F: Tippett, Gill, Vince
R: Maric, Thompson, Edwards
Inter: Moran, Massie, Shirley, Knights
Emerg: McGregor, Campbell, Reilly
In: Moran
Out: Porplyzia (shoulder)
Plenty of tickets are still available for Saturday’s game and the team needs your support.
Click here for more information on how to purchase tickets.
