Hall ready for return, Goodes in doubt - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Hall ready for return, Goodes in doubt

By Justin Chadwick 08/06/2008 12:51:07 PM Comments (0)

Sydney coach Paul Roos has declared full-forward Barry Hall a certain starter for next Saturday's AFL clash against St Kilda at the SCG.

But star follower Adam Goodes may be forced to watch from the sidelines after being reported during the Swans' thrilling five-point victory over West Coast last night.

Tagger Adam Selwood had his head over the ball when Goodes ran across the Eagle and collected him with his thigh.

Roos, who coached the match from the bench, said he didn't see the incident and therefore could not comment on it, but was more forthcoming when asked about Hall's immediate future.

Hall has served his seven-match ban for punching West Coast's Brent Staker in round four and Roos said the 31-year-old had also recovered from a broken wrist suffered in the same match.

Roos said he would look to team Hall up with Henry Playfair, Michael O'Loughlin and Ryan O'Keefe in a potent forward set-up against the Saints.

"We'll definitely play him. He's in really good physical condition," Roos said of Hall.

"He trained absolutely magnificently last week ... he's ready to go, definitely.

"We'll bring him back in and probably play him at full-forward, a bit at centre half-forward."

Roos praised Goodes and Brett Kirk after the pair inspired Sydney's come-from-behind victory over the Eagles.

The Swans trailed by 37 points early in the third term but Sydney kicked 10 of the last 13 goals of the match to snatch victory.

"I just though Goodesy and Kirky were probably two who just lifted the whole team," Roos said.

"(Paul) Bevan finished up with two critical goals, (Jarrad) McVeigh added another couple of goals as well.

"So everyone seemed to get on board but I think when you are playing poorly like that you do need some senior guys to stand up and I think Kirk and Goodes were the two that really stood up."

Nick Malceski (28 possessions, two goals) also put in a blinder in just his fourth match back from a serious knee injury.

"He's so important to us and to be able to get the ball that often and kick two critical goals is a pretty good effort," Roos said.

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