By Luke S

It’s down to four. There’s no more second chances. Who will be out there in the penultimate week in September? 

Josh Fraser (Collingwood) was a late withdrawal on Friday night with a back injury. Is expected to return this week, but will Mick drop Bryan after his heroics in extra time? Take note of Fraser’s long flight over to Perth. May not help his cause.

Verdict: Likely, but not 100%.

 

Scott Burns (Collingwood) sprained his ankle in the Semi-Final, but is undertaking severe treatment to have him ready for Friday night’s blockbuster with the Cats.

Verdict: Likely starter.

 

Port Adelaide have a few injury worries on their plate at the moment. Dean Brogan, Brett Ebert and Michael Wilson injured their ankle, knee and achilles respectively. They should all return, benefiting from the week break, to face a rejuvenated Kangaroos outfit.

 

Port Adelaide’s Daryl Wakelin will also be available, available to return from a strained adductor muscle, which he attained during his side’s last gasp win against the Cats in Round 21.

 

Kangaroos forward Corey Jones will miss the rest of his side’s finals campaign, following surgery on his foot. Scans revealed a stress fracture, and he will now miss the rest of the season.

 

Geelong’s Matthew Egan has declared himself a “hopeful 100%” chance to play in the Grand Final, should his team win this week. Speaking at the All-Australian Evening, Egan was positive with his recovery from a broken foot he attained in Round 22 at the ‘Gabba.