Imposing Wagga Tigers ruckman Tom Osmotherly has not ruled himself out of Saturday's qualifying final against Griffith after receiving a good prognosis on his dislocated shoulder.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The hearts of Tigers' supporters were in their mouths last Saturday when Osmotherly came off with a shoulder injury and was taken to Wagga Base Hospital.
But the news is good for the first-year Tigers ruckman, who rates himself a '50-50 chance' of lining up against Griffith in Saturday's qualifying final at Narrandera Sportsground.
"It's not as bad as I initially thought it was going to be," Osmotherly said.
"I saw the physio (on Monday) and I'm definitely a chance to be coming back to play finals. I'm going to see her again on Thursday.
"Obviously I'd like to be back for this one coming up so I'll get her opinion and see what she thinks. I'm probably a 50-50 chance. It's getting better every day."
Osmotherly's shoulder had been giving him problems in recent weeks but it is his first dislocation he's had in 'quite a while'.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fine opening season at Robertson Oval, playing all 16 games and providing a strong presence in the ruck, something Tigers had lacked since the departure of Brad Graham.
Osmotherly crossed over from Hume League club Murray Magpies this season and does not regret the move.
"It's been unreal," he said.
"It's probably the best club I've played at. It's a good bunch of blokes and the footy's been really good as well."
Osmotherly believes Tigers' premiership tilt remains firmly on track despite slipping to second place with last week's loss to Griffith.
"Absolutely. We played with no bench for half the game and it was a warm day so to only get done by 10 points was a pretty good effort," he said.
If Osmotherly does not get up for Saturday's final, Tigers will rely on Louis Beard and Nathan Cooke to shoulder the ruck duties.
Jesse Manton and Jackson Kelly, who both sat out the second half against Griffith, are expected to be right to face the Swans, while Brendy Myers (ankle) and Josh Gaynor (hamstring) should return.
READ MORE