Norwood forward Simon Phillips set to have shoulder surgery after SANFL grand final

NORWOOD small forward Simon Phillips is likely to face shoulder surgery after the SANFL grand final.

SANFL - Norwood v Sturt - Qualifying Final at Adelaide Oval. Simon Phillips loses his balance after getting pushed by Thomas Bartlett. Photo Sarah Reed.

NORWOOD’S Simon Phillips is almost certain to face surgery to repair his shoulder after the SANFL grand final.

Phillips has dislocated his right shoulder twice this season — firstly against Woodville-West Torrens in round 13 and then in the win over Port Adelaide in the second semi-final.

While he was unable to return to the action against the Eagles, the damaging small forward was able to have the shoulder put back into place and finish the game against the Magpies.

Phillips, who has already had surgery on his left shoulder, has regained full rotation and will be involved in competitive training drills next week. In 2012, Phillips dislocated his shoulder in the second semi-final but contested the grand final.

The Redlegs have maintained their regular schedule and trained on Monday and Wednesday. They will have a workout tonight and watch the reserves in action against Sturt at Adelaide Oval tomorrow followed by the preliminary final battle between Port Adelaide and South Adelaide.

Having the reserves team alive in the race for the flag has been a bonus for the club, allowing Steven Baldasso and James Allan to get game time after recovering from injury.

Baldasso missed the second semi-final win over the Magpies because of an ankle problem.

Mark Evans, Angus Clarke and Dylan Reinbrecht are among those able to use the reserves to push their claims for promotion for the league grand final.

“All those guys who come into calculations have a chance to prove their worth,’’ Redlegs football manager Mark Ross said.

“Anything could go wrong — illness or injury — before the grand final and if they are playing well they are a chance to come in.’’

The Redlegs will face Sturt in the reserves preliminary final on Sunday, the curtain raiser to the league clash.