The Pies are well-rested after a week off, but will be sweating on the fitness of key duo Simon Prestigiacomo and Sharrod Wellingham. Wellingham rolled an ankle in his side’s qualifying final win, while Prestigiacomo has missed a month with a corked thigh. Experienced pair Paul Medhurst and Tarkyn Lockyer would be among those first considered as replacements for Wellingham, while Tyson Goldsack is another unlucky to be out of the 22 at present. John McCarthy would also be considered.
GEELONG
Can Andrew Mackie regain his spot? Mackie was a shock axing from the Cats last weekend, and it seems fellow defender Josh Hunt will be the man to make way if Mackie is recalled. Big man Mark Blake also remains in the mix and has been training strongly in recent days, although it appears likely Geelong will stick with the Brad Ottens-Tom Hawkins combination in the ruck.
ST KILDA
The Saints are close to full-strength but will closely look at bringing in Steven Baker and Jarryn Geary who were late withdrawals from their qualifying final win. Jack Steven and Luke Miles have also been mentioned in passing by coach Ross Lyon as potential candidates. If there is a change, Baker is the most likely inclusion despite not playing for 11 weeks.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs’ backline looks like it will be bolstered by the surprise return of Dale Morris, who looked to have had a season-ending back injury a few weeks ago. He could be joined by Jordan Roughead, who played VFL on the weekend, while Josh Hill, Brodie Moles and Andrejs Everitt will be considered. Andrew Hooper could be the unlucky omission although Mitch Hahn, Nathan Eagleton and Jarrad Grant were quiet in the semi final. Will Minson could make way for Roughead.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
