North have recalled seasoned campaigned Blake Clare for the Grand Final at the expense of the dashing midfielder Henry Treloar. Despite training Isaac Cumming has not been named and the Dogs also go into their quest for a 4th consecutive flag without the injured Eddie Morgan and Ashley Richards.
For the Roos the only selection headache was who to leave out as they have no injuries. They have named 23 with Tyson Boland named in both the Senior and Reserves teams. Also ommitted from the round 18 team were dashing half back Jake Peters and small utility Bryce Pollard.
Into the side comes Tom Billings, Ben Degoumois and Todd Davidson. Davidson has been in great form and was only rested for round 18, whilst Degoumois has had a great season on the wing for the Roos.
The Billings selection comes as no surprise, but just why South left his grudge return match against North to the Grand Final is anyone's guess. This has the potential to upset what has been a very focussed driven squad and how both Billings and his team mates react to the possible firworks could go a long way to deciding the game.
From a spectator's point of view, it just adds to what already promises to be a cracker of a game.
North have won three flags on the trott for a reason and South have lost four in a row so this game is 50/50 above the shoulders.
South need to whether the storm and then use their advantage in leg speed and quick ball movement to open up the Dogs after half time.
The ommision of Peters is a real surprise as he offers hardness across half back and runs straight at the footy. His battle with Morgan Billings in round 18 was outstanding as they both had the angry pills for breakfast. In West or Central Peters would be a contested ball midfielder and he can consider himself very unlucky to miss out. Boland represented Broken Hill in June at the Adelaide Oval; if he is dropped to the Reserves this South team must be red hot!
There is a saying never jump off the Champions until someone beats them ....when it matters! For that reason the Dogs start favourites and its up to the Challengers to prevail.
It's going to be fine and warm in the outer and red hot in the middle....bring it on!
Pictured is Ty Corey my tip for the AFL Medal.
Last Modified on 11/09/2014 23:50