Norwood planning for finals without Josh Glenn
NORWOOD coach Jarrod Cotton is planning for the second semi-final with the squad currently training and a gun midfielder’s role is under a cloud. Meanwhile, Sturt and North Adelaide give updates on their injury concerns.
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NORWOOD coach Jarrod Cotton is plotting his attack on the finals without classy midfielder Josh Glenn.
Having taken indefinite leave from the club to sort out his personal life and missed the final three rounds, Glenn does not belong to Cotton’s current plans for the second semi-final on September 9.
“At the minute I’m not planning to have him and if anything happens to change that then that is great,” Cotton said. “At the moment I’m planning with the team I’ve got.”
Glenn pleaded guilty in court on August 16 to an aggravated count of recklessly causing harm to another after breaking the victim’s nose in Gawler in March. His case has been adjourned to September 21, only two days before the SANFL grand final.
The role of defender Michael Talia is also a mystery after missing the final five rounds due to a back problem.
He was to have resumed in the reserves against South Adelaide at Noarlunga Oval on Sunday, but had a minor setback.
The issue for Cotton is the Redlegs have a bye in the league and reserves in the first round of finals at Adelaide Oval on Sunday as reward for finishing minor premier in both grades.
Cotton said Talia must train fully from Thursday and satisfy the selection committee in a two-hour match simulation session at The Parade on Saturday morning.
“If he gets through that and pulls up well there is a chance he will play,” Cotton said.
While the Redlegs are not required to be at the ground on Sunday to watch Woodville-West Torrens and Sturt do battle in the qualifying final, Cotton will strongly recommend his players watch the contest.
The Double Blues have their injury concerns with midfielder Aidan Riley and key defender Fraser Evans having scans on Monday night after damaging their hamstring and ankle respectively in the final round loss to Glenelg at the Bay on Sunday.
North Adelaide captain Max Thring has no doubt he will return to action in the elimination final battle against the Panthers after being sidelined for the final three games due to a calf issue.
“It has been a struggle,” Thring said. “I had a big session on Saturday and pulled up a little sore.
“I did not train much last night (at Adelaide Oval on Monday night), but I’ll train tomorrow night and should be fine.
“If I play I will be 100 per cent fit.”