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Sloane, Hooker remain in doubt for week one of finals

Published by
Ben Pahor

Adelaide star Rory Sloane and Essendon forward Cale Hooker both remain in doubt for their side's respective clashes this weekend.

Hooker, who is battling bone bruising in his foot, failed to train on Wednesday raising more doubt over his inclusion for Saturday's elimination final against Sydney at the SCG.

Hooker is one of three Bombers facing fitness tests ahead of the clash, however, both Michael Hurley (calf) and Orazio Fantasia (hamstring) trained strongly look appear to play in the do-or-die final.

Fantasia has not played since Round 20, while Hurley last played against Adelaide in Round 21.

Veteran defender Brendon Goddard said Hooker will be given until right before the game to prove his fitness.

"We'll see how he pulls up ... we'll give him until the last minute because he's pretty important," Goddard said.

"It is harder to [carry injured players into games], the game is more demanding now.

"Teams are very good at exposing weak links and weaknesses and players in opposition teams."

Meanwhile, Crows midfielder Rory Sloane trained on Wednesday, but is still no certainty to play in the side's qualifying final against GWS on Thursday night after having surgery to remove his appendix last week.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Rory Sloane of the Crows looks to pass the ball during the round eight AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval on May 13, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

“(Sloane) needs to do a fair bit more than what he did this morning, so we’ll wait until the team’s finalised,” Pyke told reporters on Wednesday.

“It’ll be based on not only what his capacity is based on the surgery, but what’s best for him and the team. Those things will come into account.

“We need to look at what’s best for him short-term. We’d love to have him playing (Thursday) night, but if it’s going to have an impact on him longer term or impact his ability to perform at the level he wants to, we’ll make the smart decision.”

Published by
Ben Pahor