AFL
AAP 3y

Demons confident about Steven May and Charlie Spargo's fitness ahead of decider

AFL

Jack Viney has eased fears over Melbourne teammate Charlie Spargo after the small forward sent an injury scare through the camp just seven days out from the AFL Grand Final.

Spargo twisted an ankle in a tackling drill during the Demons' training session on Saturday night, casting doubt over his availability for the September 25 decider against the Western Bulldogs.

The 21-year-old has played every game so far this season and would be terribly unlucky to miss out as Melbourne attempt to end a 57-year premiership drought.

But experienced midfielder Viney tipped Spargo will be fit to play as the Demons face some tough calls at the selection table.

"He's pulled up fine. He just had a little bit of a jar of his ankle," Viney told ABC Sport on Sunday.

"He requires no further treatment ... no scans or anything like that.

"It was just a jar, a tweak of his ankle, so I'm sure he was a bit stiff this morning but (he'll) ice it up.

"That's what we kind of deal with on a regular basis; getting little jars of fingers, knees, ankles etc.

"But he's a professional and I'm sure he'll be one hundred per cent come Saturday."

Spargo has kicked 17 goals from 24 games this year, including two in the preliminary final rout of Geelong.

All Australian full-back Steven May and fellow defender Joel Smith both ran laps at Saturday night's training session as they continued their recovery from hamstring issues.

May appears certain to play, while Smith is one of several players being weighed up by Melbourne coaching staff after being replaced by Michael Hibberd for the preliminary final.

May went down with a hamstring injury in the Demons' 83-point preliminary final smashing of Geelong.

He attempted to play out the game but was subbed out when Melbourne were assured of progressing through to the last game of the season.

The 29-year-old declared last week there was " no chance" he was missing the Grand Final, confident the injury was minor.

Jayden Hunt, James Jordon and Jake Melksham are also in the selection mix.

^ Back to Top ^