AFL Finals 2018: Jordan De Goey dismisses ankle concerns
"I felt fine coming back, I just did a bit of work on the bench then came back on and I was fine." Photo: AAP
Collingwood star Jordan De Goey’s sore ankle won’t keep him from their blockbuster AFL preliminary final against Richmond.
The 22-year-old hobbled from the MCG in the first quarter of Saturday night’s 69-59 semi-final win over GWS and was absent for several minutes as he received treatment on his right ankle.
But he was able to return to play a major role in the win with three goals of his own and a hand in others.
“I just landed on (Stephen) Coniglio’s leg unfortunately … it was just one of those rolled ankles,” De Goey told reporters on Sunday.
“I felt fine coming back, I just did a bit of work on the bench then came back on and I was fine.”
Brayden Sier will also be monitored after he spent several minutes in the rooms receiving treatment on a corked thigh, but he was also able to return to the field.
That’s music to the ears of Magpies supporters before the much-anticipated clash with their traditional rivals.
The Tigers held a spirited two-hour training session at Punt Road on Friday leading into a weekend off in preparation for Friday night’s encounter.
Dustin Martin left the track earlier than most of his teammates, but football chief Neil Balme confirmed that was part of a tailored plan for the superstar and dismissed injury fears.
Dustin Martin kicked a freakish goal against Hawthorn in the first qualifying final. Photo: AAP
Daniel Rioli jarred a finger during that session but will also take his place against Collingwood.
West Coast will need to make at least one change to cover the loss of defender Defender Brad Sheppard (hamstring) as they prepare to host Melbourne in the preliminary final at Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon (September 22).
The Demons escaped their semi-final win over Hawthorn unscathed, with Bernie Vince pressing his claims for a return from a shoulder injury in the VFL.
The veteran, who will retire at the end of the season, remains hopeful of earning a recall after he gathered 22 possessions and kicked a goal in Casey’s win over Essendon.
“All I can do is make sure I’m available. (I) put myself in a position where I had to get through a game first, but now I’m in a position where I can be selected,” Vince said.
“I realise the odds are against me a bit and it’s probably going to rely on injury (to a teammate) and I don’t want injury, but I’m there if there is.
“That’s all I can do.”