Eagles sweat on Matera's AFL fitness - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Eagles sweat on Matera's AFL fitness

By Guy Hand and Melissa Woods 23/09/2005 06:44:04 PM Comments (0)

Serious doubts remain over the make-up of West Coast's side to play Sydney in the AFL grand final despite injured goalsneak Phil Matera completing his side's last training session unscathed.

Matera, who has been battling a groin injury and has played just twice in the past six weeks, did all that was asked of him during a 40-minute session at the MCG.

But it may not be enough to earn Matera a spot in a West Coast team aiming to win its first grand final since 1994 at the MCG.

Eagles coach John Worsfold, no doubt mindful of Brisbane's gamble on injured stars Jonathan Brown and Alastair Lynch which backfired in last year's grand final, said a final decision would be made on Matera.

"It's a big call whether we put him in the line-up - if we think he's going to get through the whole game, that's going to be the hardest call," Worsfold said.

"We're not going to play him if there's a slight risk he won't get through a game.

"He's been a big part of our side for a long time, but he's not irreplaceable, we don't rely on Phil to win games."

Matera took part in all aspects of training and said he was confident he would be fit enough to play.

"I've done everything I can to get my body up and ready to go and I'm looking forward to the challenge," Matera said.

"Certainly I wouldn't be putting my hand up in the squad if I wasn't ready to go.

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