Geelong's Chapman 'raring to go' - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Geelong's Chapman 'raring to go'

By Roger Vaughan 14/09/2010 02:11:51 PM Comments (0)

Geelong star Paul Chapman is adamant he does not have another significant leg injury during the AFL finals.

Chapman declared he was "raring to go" for Friday night's much-anticipated preliminary final against Collingwood at the MCG.

The Norm Smith Medallist and two-time All Australian suffered a "corky" during the regulation semi-final win over Fremantle last weekend.

But he insisted it would not affect him in this week's big match against the Magpies, which will produce the premiership favourites.

Chapman has had to cope with late-season leg problems in the last couple of years and famously overcame a significant hamstring injury to be named best afield in last year's epic grand final win over St Kilda.

The Cats hard nut is enjoying the buildup to Friday night, particularly some pointed comments from his coach Mark Thompson about the Magpies.

"I reckon it's great - Bomber doesn't really say too much," he said.

"I'm raring to go, they beat us early on in the year, there's a lot to play for and we'll definitely be playing like it's do-or-die, we're ready for it.

"It was just a corky, I'm ready to go as everyone else is."

Chapman and fellow bald team-mate Gary Ablett were among six Geelong players honoured with All-Australian selection on Monday night.

Ablett was also named vice-captain and it was his fourth-straight selection.

Ablett was named on the ball, even though he spent more time forward this year, while Chapman was placed on a half-forward flank - even though he has gone into the midfield more often in 2010.

"He was supposed to be vice-captain, too," Ablett joked.

Chapman then noted: "I'm definitely the better-looking one."

Ablett also had some advice in case the All Australian selectors had somehow mixed the pair up.

"If you have a closer look, my hair is a little bit thicker," he said.

On a more serious note, Ablett endorsed defender Andrew Mackie to return to the side on Friday, following his surprise omission from the semi-final win.

"He's definitely in our best 22, I'm sure he'll train well this week the coaches will make their decision from there," Ablett said.

The Brownlow Medallist added the Cats had gained a major boost out of last Friday night, where they buried the Dockers with an eight-goal opening quarter.

"We didn't start the game well that week before (the qualifying final loss to St Kilda), so that was a big focus of ours," Ablett said.

"I guess that's what got us across the line in the end, we didn't beat them by much in the next three quarters."

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