Johnson 90% Chance To Return

Geelong's gun forward Stevie Johnson should return this week much to the relief of many anxious DreamTeam coaches ahead of the DT GF.

Johnson has been struggling with a hip problem for the last couple of months and has missed a fair chunk of footy.

But Geelong coach Mark Thompson said on Tuesday, "More than likely Steve will play, he'd be a 90 per cent chance to play this week, again, we'll have to see how he pulls up."

Johnson's inclusion could be crucial for DT coaches' forward lines, with his Geelong teammate Paul Chapman doubtful to play this weekend with a hamstring worry.

Thompson admitted they hadn't made a decision yet on Chapman although scans showed very little damage.

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Around The Grounds

• Gun St Kilda forward Nick Riewoldt has been cleared to play this weekend after scans revealed no damage to his knee. The scan revealed mild jarring of the knee which is likely to be fine for the Saints clash with Melbourne on Sunday.

• Essendon pair Patty Ryder (knee) and Matty Lloyd (heel) are both a chance to play this weekend against the Hawks, but they're facing a race against time. Bombers coach Matty Knights said, "Both are progressing well but on Thursday and Friday they're going to have to push and put the foot to the floor with their intensity on the training track."

• Brisbane key forward Daniel Bradshaw will miss the DT GF after straining a quad muscle. Lions teammate Luke Power said, "He's pulled up a bit tight and sore and we just needed to give him a week off and get him cherry ripe for next week." Also Daniel Merrett will miss this week with a hamstring.

• Adelaide defender Nathan Bock will miss this weekend's match with his nagging heel problem. Crows assistant coach Ben Hart said, "Nathan did a little bit of training this morning, but there’s still a bit of soreness hanging around. His heel is not good enough to train tomorrow, so we’ll give him probably until Monday and re-assess then."

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