Melbourne are assured star ahead Tayla Harris might be match for the AFLW grand last in opposition to the Brisbane Lions regardless of issues over a shoulder damage.
Harris harm her left shoulder in a ruck contest through the first quarter of Saturday’s 17-point win over North Melbourne, which put the Demons right into a second straight season decider.
The 25-year-old was assessed on the bench and returned after quarter time, taking part in out the remainder of the preliminary last.
But she had little influence as a everlasting ahead, held scoreless and ending with simply 4 disposals.
Demons coach Mick Stinear shifted Eden Zanker into the back-up ruck position behind Lauren Pearce with a view to defend Harris.
“There was a bit of discomfort during the game but she fought through it really well,” Stinear mentioned.
“We took her out of the ruck just to limit the contact and really try to use her as a weapon forward.
“It gave Eden an opportunity to go in there, who was transferring a bit extra freely.
“(Harris) is OK, but it was certainly uncomfortable for the majority of the game.
“Credit to her to maintain competing and I am unable to see her eager to miss out subsequent week.”
Harris has eight days to recover before the grand final against her former side at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday week, and the Demons have no other injury concerns.
Harris and Sinead Goldrick were both missing from the Melbourne side when they were outclassed by Brisbane in round four.
The Demons have since won eight straight games by an average margin of 43 points.
“We learnt a lot out of that (spherical 4) sport, which was a little bit of a actuality test,” Stinear mentioned.
“It type of spring-boarded the remainder of our season by displaying up our flaws.
“The group tends to respond well when we’re challenged by the best teams.”
Harris started her AFLW profession with the Lions and spent 4 seasons with Carlton earlier than becoming a member of Melbourne this yr.
