An Albury player is set to be the heartbreak story of grand final week with star player Dean Polo confirming his return.
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Polo was named for Saturday’s second semi against Wodonga Raiders, but was forced out with a calf complaint.
The man who replaced him – Brady Morton – kicked the match-winning goal to send the Tigers through to the decider.
“It’s just general tightness, just didn’t want to risk it for this game,” Polo said immediately after the match.
“I was hoping the boys would get up, I could have played if it really came to push, but thought I’d rest it.”
The former AFL player is one of the league’s best players, so there’s no question he will come straight back in for the decider at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval on September 23.
The home team Wangaratta and Wodonga Raiders meet in Sunday’s preliminary final at Albury Sportsground.
I was hoping the boys would get up, I could have played if it really came to push, but thought I’d rest it.
- Dean Polo
While there will be some nervous Albury players ahead of Polo’s recall, there’s another potential story brewing.
Daniel Cross is AFL outfit Melbourne’s runner and rehab coordinator.
The Demons play Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night, with the winner to face the West Coast in Perth the following Saturday.
A time is yet to be announced for that preliminary final but, whether it’s a day or night game, it still makes it problematic for Cross to return for the grand final the next day.
Certainly the winner of Wangaratta and Raiders will be hoping Melbourne wins.
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