Crows expect Talia, Mackay to face Bombers
Aug 10, 2017 - 4:35 AM Adelaide expect key defender Daniel Talia and winger David Mackay to overcome niggling injuries and play against Essendon in Saturday night's AFL game.Talia (groin) and Mackay (corked thigh) were in some doubt but completed training on Thursday, Crows coach Don Pyke says.
"Both travelled well so we expect they'll both be available for selection," Pyke told reporters.
Ladder leaders Adelaide travel to meet the Bombers with a six-point buffer at the top of the table.
However, Pyke ruled out resting players in the run to the finals.
"We are probably not entering that space," he said.
"I'm probably more a believer of continuing on, if guys are in good form, keeping them playing good footy.
"(Resting players) isn't something have thought about significantly, to be honest.
"Where we sit on the ladder, we want to maintain that position.
"We have given ourselves an opportunity to go into the finals in a really strong position.
"And that, for us, starts with another four points in Saturday night.
"From there, I think players want to play.
"The reality of the system at the moment is there is a bye between the last game and the first final.
"If we start getting too cute and over-manage it ... it's sometimes hard to get back and going or it takes a bit of time.
"And certainly this is not the time of year where I want to experiment too much."
Pyke was braced for an attacking onslaught from a Bombers outfit playing for the first time since club stalwart Jobe Watson announced he will retire at season's end.
"A fantastic career, it's always sad when you see great players bow out," Pyke said of Watson.
"But I think Essendon would want to perform well for Essendon and we're they are at in the season as well as for Jobe.
"But we have got a lot to play for as well."
Source: AAP
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