Crows decide against McGovern risk in AFL

Adelaide have left out key forward Mitch McGovern for their AFL preliminary final against Geelong, rather than risking his sore hamstring.

McGovern pulled up sore last weekend at training and did not prove his fitness.

Andy Otten or Wayne Milera are likely to take his place.

The Crows will welcome back vice-captain Rory Sloane, after having his appendix removed and missing their qualifying final win over GWS.

They must replace half-back Brodie Smith, who needed a knee reconstruction after being injured during the Giants win.

The Cats could make a big selection gamble, with coach Chris Scott saying on Wednesday that speedy forward Nakia Cockatoo will be in their squad.

Hamstring injuries have restricted Cockatoo to 10 games this season, having last played in round 19.

The Cats will definitely welcome back key defender Tom Lonergan, who had missed their upset semi-final win over Sydney because of illness.

Scott also expects fellow defender Tom Stewart to play after he sat out the end of the Sydney match because of hamstring tightness.

Steve Johnson’s sore knee means he is not a definite starter for GWS in their preliminary final against Richmond, despite his six-goal haul last weekend in their semi-final trouncing of West Coast.

The Tigers are more likely to name an unchanged line-up, but they have several VFL players pushing for recalls.

Forward Shai Bolton and ruckman Shaun Hampson are the most-likely candidates if Richmond decide to spring a change.

Jason Castagna would be the unlucky teammate if Bolton was recalled.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!