Defender Luke McPharlin is set to miss this Friday’s Preliminary Final against Hawthorn after struggling to recover from a calf injury.
Senior coach Ross Lyon said McPharlin had been working hard to push for selection but was “unlikely” to be ready this week.
“If he surprises and got up we’d pick him obviously but he’s unlikely,” he said.
“(The injury) has just come on during one of the weeks, which is really disappointing because we thought we had him fit and healthy.”
Despite McPharlin’s possible absence, midfielder Nat Fyfe is set for Friday’s showdown at Domain Stadium with Lyon dismissing injury concerns.
“He trained today and he’s basically just modelled exactly what he’s done in the lead up to the other one so there’s no concern, he’ll train on Wednesday and play,” Lyon said.
Recently recovered defender Michael Johnson will also be fit to play after Lyon revealed Johnson had suffered from the flu.
“He was sore,” Lyon said.
“To be truthful I said ‘mate do we need to sub you out’ cause he’s had (back issues) but he’s fine, he had the flu during the week and he said ‘I’m just not carrying that very well’.
“He’s in really good spirits, he’s fine, he trained fully today.”
Up-and-coming ruckman Jon Griffin is also a chance to come into the team after an impressive showing on the track.
“Jon Griffin trained fully today so he’s basically back and available as well and he’s been really good for us so that’s clearly an option as well,” Lyon said.
Griffin has been impressive in the second half of the season assisting Aaron Sandilands with an average of 11.9 hit outs and 2.7 marks per game.
