Sturt optimistic Aidan Riley will front Central District in SANFL first semi-final

Classy Sturt midfielder Aidan Riley is battling a neck injury but is optimistic of being available to face Central District in the SANFL first semi-final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Sturt's Aidan Riley. (AAP Image/Brenton Edwards)

TOUGH Sturt midfielder Aidan Riley’s status for the first semi-final clash against Central District at Adelaide Oval on Sunday is a mystery.

Riley was a massive loss for the Double Blues after pulling out of the qualifying final defeat to Port Adelaide just hours before the game because of a neck injury.

Double Blues coach Marty Mattner said the club was uncertain the extent of the injury, but he was optimistic the key onball weapon would front the Bulldogs.

“He had it a couple of weeks ago and has been playing the last couple of weeks, but we ruled him out two hours before the game,” Mattner said.

“He was getting better during the week, but just not up to a stage that we thought was right.

“We’re not really sure (exactly what it is) and with the double chance we just thought it wasn’t (worth) the risk.

“I’m pretty sure he’ll be right (for this week), we’ll just see how he goes.”

The Bulldogs stayed alive in the race for the flag with a 48-point win over Norwood in the elimination final.

There are plenty of unknowns hanging over Port’s line-up to confront Woodville-West Torrens in the second semi-final.

If the Power loses to West Coast in the AFL elimination final on Saturday night, the make-up of the club’s state league side changes complexion. Matthew Broadbent, Jackson Trengove and Jarman Impey played against the Double Blues but will drop out of the side because they have not met the qualification rules.

The AFL clubs are restricted to 17 listed players in the finals and Port must include captain Steven Summerton in its 17.

If the Power is knocked out of the finals, players must have appeared in more SANFL games than AFL in the minor round, including three matches after round 11.

The Eagles had a challenging 90-minute training session at Woodville Oval on Saturday before the players and coach Michael Godden watched the club’s under 18 side at Football Park.

“It was a really good session, high intensity,” Godden said.