West Adelaide fab four must prove fitness ahead of SANFL grand final against Woodville-West Torrens
A QUARTET of experienced West Adelaide players will on Wednesday attempt to prove their fitness for Sunday’s SANFL grand final against Woodville-West Torrensat Adelaide Oval.
A QUARTET of experienced West Adelaide players will on Wednesday attempt to prove beyond doubt they are fit enough to break into the side to face Woodville-West Torrens in Sunday’s SANFL grand final at Adelaide Oval.
Adam Hartlett, Taite Silverlock, Aaron Fielke and Logan Hill all missed the Bloods emphatic preliminary final win over Central District on Sunday but are considered strong chances to be recalled.
The question is whether coach Mark Mickan will be prepared to make four changes to a winning side.
The quartet have been strong performers through the season.
West football manager Andrew Marks said Fiekle and Hill, both concussed during the Bloods’ second semi final loss to the Eagles, were all but certain to be passed fit.
Fielke has been a star this season, kicking 40 goals, while Hill has been rock solid across halfback.
“They’re right on track’’ Marks said yesterday.
“I would assume they’ll both be training full bore (last night) and be ready to be selected.”
Key defender Hartlett also left the ground against the Eagles with a quadricep strain and looms as an important selection against an Eagles side featuring tall targets Andrew Ainger and Michael Wundke.
Marks said the defender was better than a 50-50 proposition.
“He’s doing everything possible,’’ Mark said.
“He was at the club this morning doing all the rehab that he possibly can, so I reckon he’s going to be quite a good chance to play.”
Midfielder Silverlock suffered a low-grade hamstring strain in the Bloods’ qualifying final win over Port Adelaide, and also is considered a good chance to be passed fit.
Two changes may be forced upon Mickan.
The Bloods are likely to be without Jack Agostino after he strained a quadricep against Central on Sunday.
“At this stage it looks as though he’s going to miss,’’ Marks said.
In-form Brad Helbig looms as possible hard luck story after hurting his shoulder against the Bulldogs, although Marks said the rugged midfield-halfback was chance to play.
Talented teenager Aaron Francis will not be risked in the grand final.
The likely top-five AFL draft selection hasn’t played since falling ill in the final minor round, and is also battling a groin strain.
Grand Final Information
10.15am: Gates Open
10:45am: Reserves Grand Final (Eagles v North)
1:20pm: Pre-match entertainment featuring rock band ‘You am I’ begins
2:10pm: SANFL IGA League Grand Final starts
Tickets (Ticketek)
Adults: $35
Concession: $22
Child (6-17) $8
Family: $70.00
$6.25 Ticketek fee applies to every transaction
Tickets bought at IGA stores
Adult: $30
Concession $18
Child $6 (
No transaction fee) for tickets bought at IGA