Port confident key duo will play Pies - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Port confident key duo will play Pies

14/09/2003 08:58:20 PM Comments (0)

Port Adelaide is confident star defender Gavin Wanganeen and class midfielder Roger James will play Collingwood in Saturday's AFL preliminary final at the MCG.

Wanganeen injured a shoulder after he was crunched by Essendon's Dean Rioli on Saturday night at AAMI Stadium and was taken from the field, but returned to play out the game.

James failed to recover from last week's game in the SANFL - his first after missing two games with a groin strain - and was a late withdrawal.

But Williams was confident James would be right to play the Magpies and would benefit from the extra time to recover.

"We took the view on Roger James that he needed more than one week's rest after the last game he played," Williams said.

"But at least we know he can play through that game, so he'll give himself an opportunity to play this week, which has all worked in our favour."

Rioli was reported for striking Wanganeen, and Williams was confident his skillful backman would also be fine.

"He's come up good, he whacked his shoulder and he's a little bit sore on that, but he's fine," he said.

Brisbane will again give captain Michael Voss painkilling injections in his knee to help him get through Saturday night's preliminary final against Sydney at Telstra Stadium after he responded brilliantly to treatment in the Lions' win over Adelaide on Friday night.

But tough defender Chris Scott (groin soreness) remains in doubt.

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