No one was stopping Fremantle live wire Hayden Ballantyne from playing in Saturday’s Qualifying Final win over Sydney.
Ballantyne had not played since round 16 after tearing his pectoral tendon and was initially not expected to be fit for another two weeks.
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But the All Australian was determined to play and he rewarded the selection committee with three goals in a vintage display.
“I don’t want to miss any game but this game in particular,” he said.
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“The first final especially (I wanted to play), the boys have worked so hard to give ourselves a home final, I definitely wanted to be here.”
Ballantyne had an intense week on the training track, making sure he proved he was fit and ready to fire.
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He said he got through the bruising encounter unscathed.
Ballantyne was among the best on ground with 16 disposals and six marks, with three inside 50.