GEORGE Alexander has made the startling revelation that he was advised not to play in Saturday's decider.
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The Tiger tall suffered a lacerated kidney in the second last round after falling heavily in a contest.
"I hit the ground and didn't realise but I did some kidney damage," Alexander said.
"I just thought I had a sore back after I done it.
"I went to the hospital and they did a few scans and discovered I had a lacerated kidney.
"I spent two days and a night in hospital recovering."
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Alexander missed the second semi-final clash against Brock-Burrum but returned for last week's preliminary final.
"They told me not to play for six weeks," he said.
"So I shouldn't really be playing for another two weeks.
"But there was no way I was going to miss the biggest match of the season."
Alexander played a starring role in the Tigers' 2017 flag triumph over Jindera.
But the then 19-year-old was badly injured after the vehicle he was driving flipped early on the Sunday morning of the club's premiership celebrations.
He was flown to Canberra hospital and was lucky to escape serious injury.
Although the athletic tall injured his knee in the accident and required a knee reconstruction.
Alexander missed all of last season.
"My knee has fully recovered but I had to put a helluva lot of work into it," he said.
"I was angry with myself and what happened and it was a real driving force for me to get back and win another flag.
"It's just unreal to be back at Walbundrie for the biggest match of the season."
Alexander played his role at centre half-forward with full forward Kodie O'Malley damaging early with three goals in the opening term.
"Kodie is a huge asset for us, he is a big target and has got a huge leap on him," Alexander said.
"He loves kicking a goal and he set us alight in that first term with three snags.
"We knew Brock-Burrum are a good side and we would have to produce our best footy to beat them.
"We able to execute and get the chocolates."