Darley’s Heath Scotland is preparing to deliver a message no coach ever feels comfortable with – telling a player or players they have missed selection for a grand final.
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This is the task facing Scotland as he finalises the Devils’ line-up to face reigning premier Bacchus Marsh at Mars Stadium on Saturday.
Scotland will certainly make one and possibly up to three changes to the combination that handed the Cobras a 98-point hiding in the second semi-final at Darley Park.
He confirmed Chris Graham, Tom Evans and Dane Grenfell were all in the mix to return after missing that outing.
Graham withdrew on the day after the birth of his child, Evans had ankle trouble and Grenfell a slight hamstring strain.
As a linchpin in the Devils midfield, Graham is a lock to return.
Evans will be difficult to leave out, having played in every other game this season and delivering some impressive run-with roles on big-match performers, while Grenfell has kicked 13 goals in his latest four senior appearances. Grenfell proved his fitness with a four-goal performance in the reserves at the weekend.
Assistant coach Dan Roy, captain Shane Page and Western Jets-listed youngsters Matt Young and Zak Butters were the inclusions for the second semi-final.
Roy and Page showed no signs of injuries which had previously sidelined them, while Butters was Darley’s best.
Season regulars in ruckman Abe Cameron (shoulder) and Jay Pearson have been ruled out for returns.
Bacchus Marsh coach Travis Hodgson said he had no injury issues out of the preliminary final win over Lake Wendouree, with versatile tall Rhys McNay cleared of concussion.
Key forward Jarrah Maksymow (suspended) and Kane White (knee) have already been ruled out, but full back Trent Angwin (hamstring) and Simon LaFranchi (knee) continue to train and live in hope after setbacks in earlier finals.
Western Jets-listed key forward Blake Graham might be considered.
