St Joseph’s will take the conservative approach with Jack Buckley, all but ruling him out of Saturday’s second semi-final clash against Leopold.
The star defender suffered another hamstring injury in the Round 18 win over Colac, with coach Ron Watt expecting Buckley to be available if Joeys’ path to a first flag in six years takes them via preliminary final.
“Jack’s progressing well,” Watt told krockfootball.live on Saturday. “I’d like to think that he might be right for, I would say, prelim final weekend.
“We’re probably not going risk him next weekend; honestly, I don’t think his ready for next weekend.”
Buckley was one of three Joeys who failed to see out the win over the Tigers, that completed just the third perfect home-and-away season in competition history.
However, it’s mixed news for defender Jack Leonard (calf) and veteran forward Cam Tudor (wrist).
“Jack Leonard trained fully this morning,” Watt said. “It was a cramp, not a tear.
“It was an extensive cramp that lasted a couple of days, apparently.
“‘Tudes’, I think he’ll be doubtful… I’m not overly confident he’ll be back for next week.”
Captain Alex Hickey, who hasn’t played since suffering a syndesmosis injury in the Round 14 win over South Barwon, also remains unlikely.
However, Josh Nurnaitis is available to return from a concussion suffered in Round 17.
Geelong VFL-listed Lewis Antonac is also eligible after the Cats’ crashed out of the finals last week.
Click here to listen to the full interview with Ron Watt
X: @krockfootball
