'Never seen anything like it': Extraordinary drama before kick-off in AFL grand final
Phil Davis has been ruled fit to play in the AFL grand final after an extraordinarily late fitness test at the MCG.
The AFL world was completely engrossed by the sight of the GWS captain heading out onto the ground for one final test just five minutes before teams were officially announced.
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Davis looked quite hampered by his dodgy calf.
However there were no late changes when teams dropped at 1pm.
Davis was then spotted in an intense conversation with coaching staff in the dressing rooms not long after.
“I can’t believe what I’ve just witnessed,” coaching great Terry Wallace said on AFL Nation.
“I’ve seen some strange ones, but being the captain, having the other captain out, to be doing fitness test out on the ground at this stage, I have never seen anything like it! Huge drama.”
Phil Davis is in. 👌#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/J46FXzFYPM
— AFL (@AFL) September 28, 2019
AFL.com journo Mitch Cleary described the scenes as ‘incredible’, and a number of other journos were fascinated by the sight.
Incredible scenes here at the MCG. Four mins to final teams lodged and Phil Davis has made his way onto the ground with fitness staff after a rigorous test in rooms @AFLcomau #AFLGF
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) September 28, 2019
Late fitness test for Phil Davis @FOXFOOTY #AFLGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/7espd0YGlT
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) September 28, 2019
Giants captain Phil Davis undertakes a running session under the watchful eye of Giants fitness staff. Fascinating viewing. He insists he is playing but doesn’t look 100%. https://t.co/aM9U6puEEm pic.twitter.com/AB56R3zhJ0
— Glenn McFarlane (@MaccaHeraldSun) September 28, 2019
Intriguing scenes here at the MCG. Phil Davis looks like he’s being put through a very extensive fitness test. @superfooty @telegraph_sport
— Ben Horne (@BenHorne8) September 28, 2019
Just passed his fitness test out on the #MCG The skipper will lead his team today. @phildavis_1 https://t.co/sEn161wNmH
— Liam Flanagan (@ljflannas) September 28, 2019
Phil Davis is playing ... as he said earlier. He’s on the team sheet just lodged and went through a running session at the Punt Rd end. Now back in the rooms to prepare for the biggest game of his life. https://t.co/aM9U6puEEm https://t.co/am5FfLrNj1
— Glenn McFarlane (@MaccaHeraldSun) September 28, 2019
Phil Davis doing run throughs on the ground trying to prove his fitness @agerealfooty pic.twitter.com/FyKidcE6Y0
— peter ryan (@petryan) September 28, 2019
Phil Davis looks nowhere near 100%
— Niall Seewang (@N_Seewang) September 28, 2019
The live telecast of the Phil Davis fitness test is engrossing
Come on mate, get up#AFLGrandFinal— Tom Chadwick (@TomChadwick_7) September 28, 2019
Phil Davis footage from rooms fascinating. Teams due in 5 minutes. Did not look right. Big call for the Giants. #AFLGrandFinal
— peter ryan (@petryan) September 28, 2019
GWS dismiss concerns
Assistant coach Lenny Hayes said the Giants had no concerns.
"He just had a fitness test. Looked to be moving well to me," Hayes told ABC Grandstand.
"I think it's full steam ahead and he'll play."
The Giants had Lachie Keeffe on standby in the event Davis was unable to play.
Richmond earlier confirmed the debut of 27-year-old Marlion Pickett against a GWS outfit bolstered by the return of Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield.
Jack Ross, Kamdyn McIntosh, Sydney Stack and Ryan Garthwaite were the Tigers' emergencies.
with AAP
