ADELAIDE defender Nathan Bock has been ruled out of Friday night’s elimination final against Essendon because of ongoing heel soreness.
Bock hasn’t played since been diagnosed with a microfracture in his heel after the round 18 loss to Geelong, but was rated a good chance to take on the Bombers after pulling up well from the Crows’ main training session on Tuesday night.
The All-Australian also completed Thursday’s short training session, but after a brief discussion with coach Neil Craig and physical performance manager Stephen Schwerdt promptly ruled himself out of the do-or-die final.
Craig said Bock was close to selection, but in the end wasn’t worth the risk.
“Nathan felt really good after training on Tuesday night and still feels pretty good today, but obviously he’s got to try and predict [how his heel is going to feel] tomorrow night after two hours [of game time],” Craig said on Thursday.
“He’s been really responsible and trustworthy in his assessment. We’ll back off for another week. Hopefully, we get the result we want tomorrow night and re-assess then.”
Bock described the amount of pain in his heel as being “significantly less” now compared to five weeks ago when the injury left him unable to walk.
But Craig said the best and fairest winner had not improved to the point where he could play without worrying about the injury.
“There’s still some pain there and Nathan said he’s not in a shape to perform,” Craig said.
“I would expect our guys to make clear decisions on performance. They all want to be part of it [the finals], but they understand that once the ball’s bounced all the other stuff goes; the fanfare the music and whatever else goes.”
Craig said Bock would still be considered for selection next week should the club advance to a second final.
Midfielder Nathan van Berlo, who failed to overcome a back strain, will also sit out Friday night’s sold-out clash at AAMI Stadium.
On a more positive note, David Mackay (hamstring) and Scott Stevens both completed training and are expected to play.
The undermanned Bombers are likely to name Mark McVeigh (hand) and Courtenay Dempsey (hamstring) after the duo got through a short session on Thursday unscathed.
There remains some mystery about the exact make-up of the Essendon side, which will be without suspended trio Matthew Lloyd, Paddy Ryder and Sam Lonergan.
Craig said his side would not be perturbed by any changes the Bombers made.
“We know Essendon’s total squad, so we believe we can cover any selections they make. Let’s say [retired forward] Scott Lucas came back in, we think we’ve got the flexibility to cover that.”
