TERANG Mortlake is facing a long discussion around the selection table tonight as it ponders whether to risk two midfield stars on the comeback from injury in Saturday's qualifying final against South Warrnambool.
The Bloods were buoyed by the sight of Joel Moloney (quad) and Tom McKenzie (groin) training at full pace on Tuesday night as they staked claims for a spot in the match against the Roosters at Mortlake's D.C. Farran Oval.
But with the second-placed Bloods having a double chance in the finals, coach Damian O'Connor said he and selectors had to weigh up the pros and cons associated with a return this week.
"We will see how they pull up and (if they) get through another session," he said.
"We are still tossing things up. Because we have a chance, we are not sure if it worth risking them because if they do it again, they will be gone for the rest of the season."
Moloney, who has played just a half of footy in fours weeks because of an undiagnosed quad complaint, and McKenzie, who injured his groin in round 16, are seen as pivotal contributors for the Bloods, which are keen to avoid a repeat of last year when they bowed out of the finals with consecutive losses.
Assistant coach Michael Sargent, who has played just seven senior games this year because of hamstring and more recently a hotspot in his foot, also trained on Tuesday night. But O'Connor said Sargeant, who hadn't played seniors since round 10, had not pulled well up after the session and his season was effectively over.
Their opponent South Warrnambool also has a healthy list to pick from but ruckman Tom Crosby (hand) is expected to be sidelined.
Sunday's elimination final combatants Koroit and Cobden are also facing difficult selection sessions with both at or near full strength.
Koroit coach Joe McLaren said midfielder Ben Goodall, who has been in the best form of his career this season, had recovered from illness and would play after missing last week's loss at home to Terang Mortlake. The club's 2009 leading goal kicker Ben Dobson, who has played the past two weeks with Geelong's VFL side, will return with the Cats' season over.
McLaren said defender, co-captain Todd McLean (soreness) would also be available this week. The only players the Saints won't be able to consider are teenagers Sam Dobson (North Ballarat Rebels) and Sam Gleeson, who has not overcome an ankle injury.
McLaren said the Saints were likely to make three changes from the side that was defeated by Terang Mortlake last week.
"It's always a hard task to tell someone they will miss a final," he said.
Cobden coach James Gellie quashed a rumour that he was in doubt to play, saying he would lead the Bombers on Sunday.
He too will have a full list to pick from, which while presenting headaches, was a good proble.
"If someone is not missing out you are not strong enough," he said.
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