LEG ISSUE PUTS KEY BOMBER IN EXTREME DOUBT
ESSENDON forward Cale Hooker is battling to be fit for the AFL elimination final against Sydney after failing to train yesterday.
Hooker completed light skills work as his teammates took part in match simulation.
He has kicked 41 goals in 20 games but looks increasingly unlikely to take on the Swans on Saturday after being sidelined for three weeks.
Hooker has a stress reaction in his leg which could turn into a stress fracture if he played in the elimination final, according to medico Peter Larkins.
Essendon described Hooker’s leg issue as bone bruising after he was a late withdrawal from the Round 23 clash with Fremantle.
Larkins said it was almost certainly a stress reaction to the bone that could break if it copped a knock.
Teammate Brendon Goddard said Hooker would be given every chance.
“The club’s messaging has been, ‘Give him until the last minute’. He’s pretty important,” he said.
Defender Michael Hurley (calf) and forward Orazio Fantasia (hamstring) got through training unscathed and look set to be named in the team today.
That team looks set to include up to nine players who have never played in a final and only three who have played in a winning final – Jobe Watson in 2004 and Goddard (St Kilda) and James Kelly (Geelong) at their previous clubs.