St Kilda key forward Nick Riewoldt will be given every opportunity to play against Melbourne on Sunday after he copped a head knock late in last weekend’s eight-point win over West Coast.
The six-time Trevor Barker Award winner has only three games remaining in his decorated career if the Saints don’t qualify for the
Speaking ahead of this Sunday’s must win encounter at the MCG, mobile forward Tim Membrey said Riewoldt is doing everything he can to be available but given the nature of the injury it is in the hands of the doctors.
“He’s still going through that with the docs so I’m sure we’ll know more as training gets under way,” Membrey said at a press conference on Thursday.
“He’s a great player so we’ll give him every opportunity to get up for this one.
“These days concussion is pretty serious so I guess that’s why we’ll give him every opportunity to get right.
“It’s a big game for us to play finals so I’m sure ‘Rooey’ will be doing everything he can to get up for it.”
After returning to the winner’s list against West Coast last Sunday, in a performance that has breathed life into St Kilda’s season, the Saints must win their last three games to qualify for the finals.
Membrey said St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson and his coaching team have provided the players with the confidence they have the brand to beat Melbourne, North Melbourne and Richmond in the final three rounds.
“‘Richo’ is cool, calm and collected. He’s just positive around the group, gives us a lot of confidence in the brand that we want to play,” he said.
“The coaches are doing a very good job and we’re backing in the style that works for us.”
