Rocca, Shaw train well for Demons clash - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Rocca, Shaw train well for Demons clash

01/04/2009 04:56:46 PM Comments (0)

Star Collingwood duo Anthony Rocca and Heath Shaw have sent crystal clear signals they are fit for their long-awaited AFL returns if selected against Melbourne this weekend.

Rocca and Shaw, who both missed the `Pies' season-opening defeat by Adelaide, trained strongly and freely on Wednesday to buoy hopes of a call-up.

Forward spearhead Rocca hasn't played since midway through last season after a serious ankle injury.

Defender Shaw, who missed the tail-end of the 2008 season following a club ban for a drink-driving escapade, missed the Crows match with a back problem.

Ruckman Josh Fraser confirmed both players appeared on track to bolster a Collingwood side which surprisingly lost in round one after making the pre-season final.

"He (Rocca) moved well, and he's moved well for the last couple of weeks and his confidence is up after kicking a couple last weekend so I would imagine he'll be a chance," Fraser said.

"We've still got a couple of days before we need to settle on the side, so I'd imagine he'd come into calculations.

"Heater (Shaw) trained well again and he's in a similar boat.

"They'll weigh up whether he needs a game in the twos or whether he comes straight back in."

Rocca booted six goals in a reserves practice match last weekend, though Shaw hasn't played since the NAB Cup semi-final three weeks ago.

Melbourne are also coming off a round one loss, though Fraser said the widely-tipped wooden spooners would be treated with respect by his side.

"We see Melbourne as a club on the rise," Fraser said.

"They've got a lot of positives happening down there at the moment.

"They've introduced younger players, some of their older players around the ball are hardened players who lead from the front.

"We were really disappointed with the way we played (last week).

"It's going to be a tough game for us and coming off last weekend we really need to all accept responsibility for our game and pick it up this week."

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