Sturt youngster Josh Hone in the mix to face South Adelaide in first semi-final

TEAMS: STURT won’t be afraid to throw teen Josh Hone into the heat of finals action after naming the youngster in a 23-man squad to face South Adelaide.

SANFL - Norwood v Sturt - Qualifying Final at Adelaide Oval. Sturt coach Seamus Maloney. Photo Sarah Reed.

STURT won’t be afraid to throw teenager Josh Hone into the heat of finals action after naming the youngster in a 23-man squad for Saturday’s first semi-final clash against South Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Hone has played just three league games — all at Unley — but football manager Paul Sandercock said he was definitely in the mix to face the Panthers.

“He had an impressive under 18 championship and then played the three games in a row,’’ Sandercock said.

“We might need another crumbing option up forward and he can also go into the midfield.

“We think he might benefit with more space to move around at Adelaide Oval.

“The past two games he has performed well in the reserves and has given himself every chance of being called up.’’

The Double Blues also added Jake Kelly to the 21 who lost to Norwood in the qualifying final last weekend.

Kelly, who spends most of his time on the half forward line, has not appeared in the league since playing the first three games this season.

“Jack applies plenty of pressure and is in the mix to come in,’’ Sandercock said.

The Double Blues finalised their 21 to front the Panthers, coming off an elimination final triumph over Woodville-West Torrens, after training last night.

The Panthers included Matt Rankine and Alex Cailotto in a 23-man squad.

Josh Donohue is in Norwood’s squad to play Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Norwood has named Josh Donohue in a forward pocket for the battle against Port Adelaide in the second semi-final after he proved his fitness with a solid training session on Wednesday night.

Donohue, the inclusion in a 22-man squad, has not played since hurting his calf against the Magpies at Alberton in the penultimate minor round.

“Josh trained really well this week and is up and about,’’ Redlegs football manager Mark Ross said.

“He tackles really well and when the ball is in his hands we tend to score.

“If he doesn’t goal a teammate normally does.’’

Port Adelaide has taken a punt and named Campbell Heath for his first game since LARS surgery to repair his knee damaged in the round eight contest against North Adelaide.