Eagles bank on Johansen for preliminary final battle against North Adelaide on Sunday

WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden has not surprised in recalling Jake Johansen for the preliminary final clash against North Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Jake Johansen is expected to return to the Eagles’ line-up. Picture: AAP

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WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden has not surprised in recalling Jake Johansen for the preliminary final clash against North Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Johansen has not played in the finals because of a calf injury, but returns to replace Tom Gray in the Eagles’ attack.

Gray is out of action for 12 months after rupturing jis ACL in the second semi-final loss to Norwood.

The Roosters have opted for the same 21 who conquered Sturt in the first semi-final.

The Eagles have already had a victory with their under 18 side beating South Adelaide in a thrilling grand final in the curtain raiser.

Godden had some late injury concerns, saying two players he refused to name had to negotiate a workout at Woodville Oval on Saturday afternoon before being declared starters in the battle to decide Norwood’s opponent in the grand final next weekend.

“There is still doubt over two guys so there is still doubt on our line-up,” Godden said. “This time of the year it is always like that and the season can take its toll.

Eagles Coach Michael Godden. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

“A couple of blokes could not do the main session and they had to be tested. One has done very little at all this week and one is precautionary.

“The players are very good with their recovery these days and they are confident they will play, so I’m confident.”

While changes to the line-up which lost to Norwood by 17 points in the second semi-final are necessary, the structures will remain intact, according to Godden.

The Roosters are likely to be unchanged from the team which beat Sturt in the first semi-final.

Two of the biggest pests in the state league, Eagles’ Louis Sharrad and Roosters captain Max Thring, will cross paths in an intriguing subplot to the season’s penultimate contest.

Brothers Max and George Thring at Prospect Oval, ahead of the SANFL preliminary final and KNTFL grand final. Picture: Matt Loxton

Thring has led from the front for the Roosters and provided an accurate impersonation of his coach Josh Carr in his days as an in-your-face onballer with Port Adelaide.

Sharrad, who joined the Eagles from Port Adelaide this season, doesn’t mind the push and shove and annoying opponents himself.

“Louis has got in the face of a few people and caused a few ruckus, but he is disciplined and knows where the line is,” Godden said. “He is a passionate footballer who gets motivated by being in the moment, he wants to be in combat and that drives him.”

Godden said Sharrad had made a terrific impression from the moment he walked into the club and he described his as an intelligent player and a very good leader.

“We have struggled since the Luke Powell and Gavin Colville eras to have a player who demands a lot from teammates,” Godden said. “He is new to the club, but he does it exceptionally well.

“He has been a big difference in our culture this year.”

PRELIMINARY FINAL

Eagles v North Adelaide

Adelaide Oval, Sunday, 2.15pm

Eagles

F: Haylock, N. Hayes, Lukosius

HF: Boyd, J. Hayes, Petrenko

C: Hall, Sinor, Lewis

HB: Goldsworthy, Thompson, Rowland

B: Giuffreda, Von Bertouch, Stewart

R: Redden, Sharrad, Poole

INT: Rowe, Johansen, Moore, Firns, Guilhaus

IN: Johansen, Moore, Rowe

OUT: Gray (knee)

Roosters

F: Harvey, A. Barns, Young

HF: Hender, Ramsey, Rozee

C: Olekalns, Tropiano, Allmond

HB: Castree, Smith, Spina

B: Wilkie, C. Craig, Clisby

R: Sweet, Schwarz, Thring

INT: McInerney, Nixon, Wohling, Woodcock

IN: Nixon