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Glenelg hardman Ty Allen has not given up hope of playing against Central District in Sunday's SANFL grand final at AAMI Stadium.
The 24-year-old midfielder dislocated his right shoulder in Sunday's preliminary final, spending the majority of the second half on the bench.
Gutsy Allen struggled to shake the hands of his opponents after the final siren but in the 24 hours since the 66-point win against Sturt, his condition has improved.
"There's some heartening news in that he's got some elevation - he can lift his shoulder a bit better than we first thought," Glenelg operations manager Ken Applegarth said.
"However, he's still to have the doctor have a good look at it. The doctor is optimistic at this stage but whether we have scans yet, I'm not 100 per cent sure.
"But the news is certainly better than first thought."
Allen's presence on Sunday against the hardened Dogs is critical. The no-nonsense onballer finished third in this year's Magarey Medal count and has proven his worth to the Tigers in 2008.
"He's one of the elite onballers in the competition now and he's proven that," Applegarth said of Allen, rated a 50-50 chance of playing.
"Not only has he been strong for our footy club but for the whole structure, he's very much part of the gameplan and has been outstanding with his consistency."
Glenelg's No. 14 will have his shoulder put to the test when the Tigers conduct their main training session at AAMI Stadium from 7.15pm tomorrow.
One man who won't be present is strongly-built utility Angus Lally, having been felled by a knee injury against the Double Blues.
Lally, who has played in both of the Tigers' finals this year, has been ruled out with damage to the medial ligament in his left knee.
"It's devastating for a young bloke who has earned the right to be in the team through good form and persistence," Applegarth said.
Lally's absence paves the way for one of the Tigers' consistent reserves players to fill the void.
Reserves Magarey Medallist Scott Lewis and hard-at-it pair Chris Kane and Paul Adlington are among the candidates to be considered.
Much-improved defender Brad Sugars, who has been troubled by an ankle complaint, was last night put through his paces. But Tiger coach Mark Mickan will be taking a punt if he includes the former Crows rookie, considering his lack of match fitness.
Should Mickan choose a big man, Crows-listed James Sellar is the option as booted three goals in the reserves preliminary final on Sunday.
After last night's light recovery session at Glenelg, the Tigers will train at the Bay on Friday from 6pm after tomorrow's main session at West Lakes.
Courtesy of The Advertiser
Story by Zac Milbank