Robbie Fox facing nervous wait ahead of AFL Grand Final

The only Tasmanian in line to play in the AFL Grand Final may be one of the hard luck stories as the Sydney captain bids to return. But there is a case to play him.

Robbie Fox.

Burnie’s Robbie Fox is potentially shaping as one of the hard luck stories of this year’s AFL Grand Final.

The 31-year-old utility could be set to be the odd man out if Sydney captain Callum Mills is deemed to be fit to return from a hamstring injury against Brisbane.

Fox was recalled in place of his skipper who suffered the injury at training after the Swans qualifying final win over GWS.

Fox missed the first final against the Giants and was the Swan’s sub on Friday night coming on in place of key forward Logan McDonald who is also under an injury cloud with ankle injury.

If selected, Fox would be the only Tasmanian on the ground with Queenstown’s Chris Fagan leading his Brisbane side into a second straight decider.

“He trained today and trained quite well,” Swans coach John Longmire said of Mills on Friday night.

“Did a fair bit, which is a good sign. We’ll see how the week progresses.”

Mills himself was no clearer on Channel 7’s coverage.

“I’ll give it a crack this week and see how we go,” he said.

What may work in Fox’s favour is the versatility he provides to Longmire and his coaching staff, even as the extra man off the bench.

While he’s more commonly known for his work in defence, Longmire hasn’t been afraid to throw Fox forward this season as a defensive option.

Sydney captain Callum Mills is pushing for a return. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

James Jordon has assumed the role of the Swans tagger this season and you’d expect him to go to Lions gun Lachie Neale in the decider.

If the Swans elect to go down that path it could provide Fox with an opportunity to come into the starting 22 and attempt to shut down Dayne Zorko.

The Lions veteran, who was named at halfback in the All-Australian team, is key to his side’s quick ball movement and was a strong factor in the come from behind win in Saturday’s preliminary final against Geelong.

After signing a new one-year deal earlier this year, it’s clear the Swans value Fox’s place in the side but this time it might just be a matter of whether he fits in.

Fox has been the Swans’ sub in the last two games he has played.

The former Burnie Docker has been another one of the Swans’ success stories via the rookie draft after he was selected out of Coburg VFL in 2017.

He was a talented basketballer as a youngster playing in Tassie’s state under-16 and 20 sides.

One change is already expected between the two sides with Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney predicted to miss with a shoulder injury suffered against Geelong.