AT least two Strathfieldsaye Storm players face the axe for Saturday’s Bendigo Football Netball League grand final against Sandhurst.
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The Storm didn’t have a poor player in their seven-goal second semi-final win over Sandhurst nine days ago, but with coach Darryl Wilson all but confirming the return of at least two key players from injury, there will be some tough calls made at selection on Thursday night.
“Jayden Donaldson is as close to 100 per cent certain to play as you can get,’’ Wilson said on Monday.
“Jayden and Tommy (Bartholomew) both trained with us in a practice game on Saturday and got through well.
“Tommy just needs to get through training on Tuesday and Thursday night and he’ll be right to go.
“Nick Smith didn’t train on Saturday, but he will train on Tuesday night and he’s probably a 50-50 chance to play on Saturday.”
Defender Nathan Moffat, veteran forward Daniel Geary and youngster Jake Dickens appear to be the three most vulnerable players at selection.
Wilson is not afraid of making big decisions.
Last year he left young duo Caillum Brady and Jake Heavyside out of the Storm’s grand final side.
Both players are no longer at the club.
Wilson coached Colbinabbin to three-straight premierships in the early 2000’s and he was forced to make tough calls then as well.
“I left the club president’s son (Tim Hill) out of a grand final side one year at Colbo,’’ Wilson said.
“It wasn’t a popular decision, but you can only do what you think is best for the team on the day.
“Unfortunately, 28 doesn’t go into 22. We’ll be picking the best 22 players that we think will give us the best chance of beating Sandhurst.
“Had we been playing Gisborne this week… our final 22 could well have been different. It’s all about how we match-up.”
Donaldson (knee) and Bartholomew (knee) returning to the side on limited match fitness has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the Storm playing group, but that doesn’t concern Wilson.
“Tommy Bartholomew was outstanding in the grand final last year and that’s why he’ll be seriously considered,’’ Wilson said.
“There’s a couple of blokes that are going to be unlucky, but that’s footy.”
Sandhurst has its own selection issues with star duo Tim Martin (ankle) and Nick Stagg (shoulder) unlikely to play.
“Martin’s absence really hurts their structure,’’ Wilson said.
“(Matt) Thornton probably has to play in the ruck now which leaves them short in the backline.
“That gives us the opportunity to stretch them with a forward line that could consist of Milne, Mildren, Hall, Bartholomew and Lea.”
