Geelongย defender Harry Taylor says Jimmy Bartel deserves to keep his spot in the side for Friday night's preliminary final against the Swans, despite suggestions the 32-year-old should be dropped.
Bartel has not been at his best during the latter stages of theย year and he finished with 16 disposals playing mostly in the forward line in the qualifying final win over the Hawks a fortnight ago.
However, defenderย Harry Taylor has rubbished suggestions the 304-game veteran should be dropped, saying Bartel is a big game player.
โHeโs a very, very handy player to have in the big games,โ Taylor said.
โHe brings a lot of experience to our footy club on the training track and in games as well.
โHis record in finals is very, very good.
โWhat you do walk taller around is guys who just do their job and Jimmy is one of those guys who does his job every week.โ
While the experienced Bartel is more than likely to keep hisย spot in the side, someone will have to make way, with key defender Lachie Henderson set to return from a knee injury.
Tom Ruggles looms as the most likely omission.
