Greater Western Sydney playmaker Josh Kelly faces a gruelling fitness test ahead of an AFL match his coach describes as his club’s first final.
Kelly will need to pass a searching physical test before being cleared for Saturday night’s clash against Melbourne.
Giants coach Leon Cameron is labelling the match as “our first final” after a shock loss to last-placed Adelaide on Tuesday night.
GWS hold eighth spot by just 0.9 per cent from the Western Bulldogs, with Melbourne a win behind both clubs in tenth.
Midfield star Kelly has missed the past two games after being concussed on August 29.
Coach Cameron says Kelly will cop some physical treatment at training before doctors rule on his fitness to face the Demons.
“All doctors at every footy club make really good calls, our doctors will be no different,” Cameron said.
“If he’s right to go and he trains well, clearly we will pick him.
“If he’s not right, then you have just got to rest these guys through that situation.
“Josh has got to get through a block of training and also some contact before the doctors give him the green light.”
Cameron hoped Zac Williams (Achilles), Harry Perrman (calf) and Brent Daniels (hamstring) would also be cleared to play.
First-choice ruck Shane Mumford, who was rested against the Crows, will return to battle Melbourne captain Max Gawn in a match which Cameron said was season-defining.
“Our first final is on Saturday night,” he said.
“If we can play some really good, hard, tough footy … then you deserve to get there. If you can’t, then you don’t deserve it.”
© AAP
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