DESPITE a couple of seemingly major setbacks at the weekend, Tarrawingee could take a full strength side into this Saturday's Ovens and King Football League grand final.
While the Bulldogs produced their best performance of the season in knocking off then flag favorite Milawa on Sunday, there were a couple of big question marks over star players Kyle Simpson and Joel O'Keeffe.
Both left the ground in the final quarter Simpson badly rolled an ankle and O'Keeffe suffered a hamstring injury.
Simpson hurt his ankle when an opponent fell across his leg and had to be helped from the field by Tarrawingee trainers, but coach Finton Eames said the early diagnosis was far better than expected.
"Kyle has had scans that have cleared him of any bone damage, so it's just a matter of waiting to see how it comes up," Eames said.
"At this stage there is no swelling or bruising, so that's extremely positive.
"At the time he could barely put any weight on it, so it didn't look good at all.
"But he always recovers well he is very fit and that works in his favor.
"He is one of our key players and he has had a super year, so if he can get up on Saturday that will give us a massive boost."
O'Keeffe was due to see a physiotherapist last night to find out the extent of his injury, but Eames said it looked okay.
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
RECOVERED: Despite being helped from the field on Sunday, Bulldog Kyle Simpson will take his place in the grand final.
Last Modified on 14/09/2011 15:07