TonyK
CibbuanoSaints hoping for Ball return
August 25th 2008 02:12
ST KILDA looks set to be bolstered by the return of midfielder Luke Ball for Sunday's clash against Essendon at Telstra Dome.
Ball has been out since injuring his hamstring against Port Adelaide in Round 18 when he backed into a pack in a marking contest late in the game.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said Ball is a 'good chance' to play against the Bombers.
"He was always aiming (to return) for Round 22 so we will see how his rehab goes," Lyon said.
"He is a good chance (to play this week) - it was a normal hamstring injury so we hope it is only three weeks out because he is really important to us."
The Saints have won their last two games against Fremantle and Adelaide and Lyon said it was important form his side to maintain their good form.
"We are looking for consistency in our football," he said.
"We had disappointing losses to West Coast and Collingwood (prior to the last two wins) and obviously playing finals you want to go in feeling good about yourself."
Despite the top eight being settled St Kilda still has a lot to play for.
If the Saints beat Essendon and Adelaide loses to the third-placed Western Bulldogs at AAMI Stadium they will move up from seventh to sixth on the ladder and avoid a cut-throat elimination final in Adelaide in the first week of September.
"We haven't looked ahead but there are a few scenarios that could occur," Lyon said.
But Lyon said he was only focused on the match against the Bombers at this stage.
"I haven't given it (the finals) any thought at all really," he said.
"We have got Round 22 to come and while it (qualifying for the finals) is obviously pleasing for the club, coaches tend to be so short-term (focused)."
Ball has been out since injuring his hamstring against Port Adelaide in Round 18 when he backed into a pack in a marking contest late in the game.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said Ball is a 'good chance' to play against the Bombers.
"He was always aiming (to return) for Round 22 so we will see how his rehab goes," Lyon said.
"He is a good chance (to play this week) - it was a normal hamstring injury so we hope it is only three weeks out because he is really important to us."
The Saints have won their last two games against Fremantle and Adelaide and Lyon said it was important form his side to maintain their good form.
"We are looking for consistency in our football," he said.
"We had disappointing losses to West Coast and Collingwood (prior to the last two wins) and obviously playing finals you want to go in feeling good about yourself."
Despite the top eight being settled St Kilda still has a lot to play for.
If the Saints beat Essendon and Adelaide loses to the third-placed Western Bulldogs at AAMI Stadium they will move up from seventh to sixth on the ladder and avoid a cut-throat elimination final in Adelaide in the first week of September.
"We haven't looked ahead but there are a few scenarios that could occur," Lyon said.
But Lyon said he was only focused on the match against the Bombers at this stage.
"I haven't given it (the finals) any thought at all really," he said.
"We have got Round 22 to come and while it (qualifying for the finals) is obviously pleasing for the club, coaches tend to be so short-term (focused)."
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