Australian Football Association of North America

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

GEELONG
The Cats dropped young ruckman Martin Blake for the Grand Final in favor of the more experienced Steven King, who will partner with Brad Ottens. While the club was planning on making the announcement on Thursday when teams are traditionally announced, word leaked out prematurely when someone close to Blake leaked the news.

Although King has played only five games this season, he put in strong performance in the VFL, helping Geelong's VFL team to a premiership last week. That was enough to earn him a recall for the big game this weekend. Blake has played 22 matches this year but struggled in the Preliminary Final win over Collingwood. King will provide back-up for No.1 ruckman Brad Ottens against Port's formidable duo Brendon Lade and Dean Brogan.

Also out of the side is Matthew Egan. He was a slim chance, but failed to recover sufficiently from foot surgery several weeks ago.

Injury Update:
Matt Egan, fractured navicular (foot), season
Joel Reynolds & Stephen Owen, knee, season

Source: Melbourne Age & Sarah Birch, Club Media Release

PORT ADELAIDE
Michael Wilson is out of the Grand Final due a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last week's game. His teammates have pledged to win the game for him. Wilson, a member of Port's historic 2004 premiership team, was described by Coach Mark Williams as the "heart and soul" of the club.

Wilson, 30, has already said he will play on next season and urged whoever is selected to replace him to enjoy the day and make the most of the opportunity. Wilson, who underwent surgery last week, was buoyed by the support and well wishes he had received from teammates, not to mention the 20 or so boxes of chocolates he has received.

Injury Update:
Nathan Batsanis, groin, season
Alex Lee, shoulder, season
Hugh Minson, foot, season
Michael Wilson, Achilles, season

Source: Melbourne Age & portadelaidefc.com.au