Norwood veteran Brett Zorzi has been declared a certain starter for Sunday’s SANFL Grand Final against North Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
The 34-year-old has recovered from the soreness which plagued his knee in the Redlegs’ Second Semi-Final win and is primed to play in what looms as his last match at league level.
Zorzi, who injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee against West Adelaide in Round 17, hobbled from the ground during the second term of the clash on September 22.
But after returning to the field in the second half, last year’s acting captain has recovered promisingly in the past seven days.
“Zorba is fine,” Norwood coach Nathan Bassett said.
“He will keep plodding away and keep pushing through. He is a strong competitor and is looking forward to this week’s game.”
With no injuries to be concerned about in the lead up to the Grand Final, Bassett must mull over whether he makes an unforced change to his line-up.
And the 2012 premiership mentor has hinted that there could be a slight reshuffle in attack, with leading goalkicker Mark Evans fully recovered from an ankle injury.
“Mark has had a terrific year,” Bassett noted.
“He is a great person to have at our footy club, he is in our leadership group. He is a lovely young man and his band is playing at my sister-in-law’s wedding on New Year’s (Eve) so there is some pressure to pick him!
“The defensive group has been outstanding for a long period of time, we are quite deep in the midfield but there are probably some question marks as to what our forward line will look like.
“But we have got plenty of forward options so that is a good thing so we will see what happens this week.”
Tall forwards Michael Newton and Matthew Panos could also be considered if Bassett chooses not to select incumbent marking-target Liam Davis.
“It’s tough in a way that our reserves weren’t in the finals,” Bassett said.
“So Panos and Newton didn’t get the opportunities they needed to push for selection. Both of them are more than deserving of being in next week’s side.
“Liam is an interesting player, he is one of the best contested marks in the competition. He is a beautiful finisher. He is still a learner but he gives us a good physical presence in the forward line.”
