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What's the story? Will they play him against Melbourne this w'end, or save him for the Finals?
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Doyle enters finals mix
27 August 2003 Herald Sun
By JOHN THIRSK
HE'S Sydney's tallest player and could give the Swans a tremendous ball-winning advantage in the ruck.
But Swans coach Paul Roos is still agonising over whether to rush Stephen Doyle into the side for his first senior game in 21 weeks.
Doyle has played only one game for the Swans this year, against Carlton at Telstra Stadium in Round 1.
He damaged a knee in that game and returned only on Saturday night in a reserves match against Wagga Tigers.
The 22-year-old 203cm giant is in his fourth season with the club but has played only 17 grade games because of a horror run with injuries.
The Swans have a serious lack of experienced tall players going into the finals, exacerbated by the loss of key men Jason Ball and Jason Saddington.
To rush Doyle back would be a massive gamble, but it's a gamble coach Roos may be prepared to take.
"He's certainly got to come into consideration," Roos said yesterday in the build-up to Saturday's game against Melbourne at the MCG.
"We played him in the seconds on the weekend and he got through. We wanted to see how he moved, how his knee pulled up and he's pulled up pretty well.
"The decision we've got to make is: Is this week too soon?
"He's not going to be fit now because he's missed so much football, but he can still be valuable to us."
Doyle said he would grab the opportunity to play in the seniors but would not be disappointed if Roos felt he wasn't ready.
"It will depend how I pull up after training," Doyle said.
"I'd love to play in the seniors, but I will not be disappointed to have another run in the reserves.
"I only had a run for 10 minutes in each of the four quarters against the Wagga Tigers and felt reasonably good for the short time I had on the field.
"Another reserves game will top me off and give me a bit more confidence and touch to be ready for the finals.
"Roosy hasn't said anything to me about the seniors this weekend."
WMP -
Play him off the bench
The difference between insanity and genius is measured only in success.Comment
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On 5pm Ten News tonight they had the Swans on - Roos talking about the Holland verdict, Doyle's possible return this week and Tadgh's 50th match
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What did they say?!Originally posted by gossipcom
On 5pm Ten News tonight they had the Swans on - Roos talking about the Holland verdict, Doyle's possible return this week and Tadgh's 50th match
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Willo's not commenting on Holland incident - Roos did said it was surprising.
Tadgh basically said it was an honour to be playing his 50th match.
Whilel Roos confirmed that Doyle would be rushed into the squad for this week's match against the Demons.
You can probably catch the footage again on Sports Tonight.Comment
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As long as they don't let Tiger do the kick ins!
"My theory is that the universe is made out of stupidity because it's more plentiful than hydrogen" - Frank ZappaComment
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Re: Doyle
Excerpt from an article by Tim Morrissey in todays Hun.....Originally posted by Jimmy C
What's the story? Will they play him against Melbourne this w'end, or save him for the Finals?
"Meanwhile, Roos said ruckman Stephen Doyle would return against Melbourne on Saturday.
Doyle hasn't played in the seniors since injuring a knee in Round 1. He has played one game in the reserves leading up to this comeback.
with AAPComment
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