Sydney Swans photo sparks concerns ahead of AFL grand final
A photo showing Sydney training with Sam Reid has sparked hope for Swans fans, but the injured star didn't participate in the match simulation only days out from AFL grand final.
Reid and Justin McInerney both trained with the Swans behind closed doors on the SCG on Thursday in a bid to be named in the grand final team against Geelong later in the day.
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Veteran forward-ruck Reid looms as a key player against the Cats but faces an uphill battle to be selected after being substituted out of the preliminary final at half-time with an adductor injury.
Seven reporter Mitch Cleary claimed Hayden McLean's selection in the match simulation could be seen as a selection hint for the grand final.
With news trickling through on Wednesday that Reid only suffered an abductor strain, there has been hope the star ruckman could take part against the Cats.
"We've been confident all week. He was a bit sore throughout the game so we didn't want to take any risks," Swans assistant coach Jarrad McVeigh told reporters.
"He's played in a few grand finals before so he understands the pressure and the week that comes with it all.
"Obviously you want to be flying at 100 per cent but he's recovered really well, so we're really happy with the way he's progressed."
Many fans have been calling for Reid to be named in the squad, regardless, to give him every chance to play in the grand final.
Sam Reid is on the track for the Swans’ closed main session, but at this stage hasn’t been spotted in match sim. Justin McInerney is part of those drills and moving freely. @9NewsMelb @FootyonNine pic.twitter.com/CkNjBDOY6t
— Braden Ingram (@bradeningram) September 22, 2022
In a possible hint to team selection, Hayden McLean started in red alongside Buddy during the light ball movement / match sim. Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey in blue.
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) September 22, 2022
The Swans should absolutely name Sam Reid in the 22 with Amartey and McLean both emergencies. Just to throw some mind games back at the mind games masters. #AFLGF
— Nic Negrepontis (@NicNegrepontis) September 22, 2022
Swans confident Justin McInerney will play
Emerging key forwards Hayden McLean and Joel Amartey will be considered for a grand final berth if Reid fails to get up, with prized ruck recruit Peter Ladhams suspended.
The Swans are more confident McInerney will play in his first grand final, with the midfielder joining their main training session of the week on Thursday.
McInerney rolled an ankle in the fourth quarter of the preliminary final against Collingwood and sat out training on Tuesday.
Geelong's major injury query is over speedster Max Holmes, who strained his hamstring last week against Brisbane.
with AAP
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