Norwood’s James Allan in a race against time to be ready for the SANFL grand final

TRIPLE Magarey Medallist James Allan will continue to push his case for a berth in Norwood’s grand final team this week after getting through untroubled in the Redlegs reserves semi final win on Saturday.

15.6.2014. SANFL: Sturt v Norwood at Unley. Norwood's James Allan. Photo Sam Wundke.

TRIPLE Magarey Medallist James Allan will continue to push his case for a berth in Norwood’s grand final team this week after getting through untroubled in the Redlegs reserves semi final win on Saturday.

Allan, wearing an armguard, made a shock return to the field less than six weeks after surgery to repair a dislocated wrist and gathered more than 20 disposals as the Redlegs moved to the reserves preliminary final.

Redlegs football manager Mark Ross said Allan would play reserves again against Sturt this weekend and push his place for a spot in the league grand final the following week.

“He pulled up well,’’ Ross said.

“He played well too with the armguard on …

“I haven’t spoken to (coach Ben Warren) yet and he makes all (the selection) calls but it’s a pretty perfect scenario with the reserves winning and the league winning so that Jimmy gets another (reserves) game.

“He’ll need it for touch and to keep that fitness up.”

Allan’s return over the weekend was nothing short of remarkable given doctors initially ruled him out for the season following his injury against old side North Adelaide at Prospect in round 15.

The on-baller had virtually no movement in his hand a fortnight ago but has worked religiously on his rehabilitation.

Ross said Allan had carried around a soft ball — similar to a stress ball — which he squeezed throughout the day to help regain movement.

The 29-year-old has won numerous personal accolades during his seven season in the SANFL but never an premiership.

Ross said Allan found the armguard slightly off-putting at first in his weekend return but adjusted as the match wore on.

If Allan does successfully negotiate the reserves preliminary final, ‘Legs coach Ben Warren will face a tough decision as to whether he can find room for the star in his league grand final 21.

Norwood’s midfield dominated large parts of its second semi final win over Port on Saturday and Warren will be reluctant to make too many changes.

Young on-baller Steven Baldasso, a late withdrawal on Saturday, is also pushing to break back into the side.