Rocca selection shock
04/09/2009 3:20 PM
Veteran Collingwood forward Anthony Rocca has moved a step closer to selection in the senior side after being named to replace key defender Nathan Brown in the extended squad for Sunday's first qualifying final against St Kilda at the MCG.
One of four new inclusions to the Magpies squad of 25 announced on Thursday night, Brown has withdrawn because of an unspecified injury.
Coach Mick Malthouse has championed Rocca's case for the past month or so since the 32-year-old's return to action in the VFL.
"Anthony is going to be in the mix," declared Malthouse on Monday when quizzed about the line-up to tackle the Saints.
"I know I have said that in the last month or so, but he has performed on a wet track at the weekend on a good ground down at Geelong, got the football, was able to get his five or six shots on goal."
"We have got to make some pretty tough decisions. We are in a position to do that."
Rocca has made only three senior appearances in 2009 - against the Brisbane Lions in Round 4, Essendon the following week and St Kilda in Round 7 - for a net return of two goals.
There's no guarantee, however, that he will make the final cut for Sunday.
The final team of 22 and three emergencies will be confirmed as per AFL regulations at 5pm (AEST) on Friday.