Duncan backs Selwood to face the Pies

CATS midfielder Mitch Duncan is backing his skipper Joel Selwood to recover from a finger injury and front up for this weekend’s do-or-die AFL finals clash against the Magpies.
Selwood injured his hand last week and has since had surgery on his right middle finger, so is no certainty to be selected for Saturday’s match at the Gabba.
Speaking earlier this week, Duncan said he believed Selwood would be fine but had no personal insight into how fast someone would recover from such an injury.
“I haven’t done it, I can’t really tell… obviously, you use your hands a fair bit .
“He’s been through a lot in his time, he’s obviously a great player and a really important player for us, and I’ll sure he’ll do everything right to be ready to play.
“Even if it wasn’t Joel, I think most players would be doing everything they can to play in a final – and it’s Joel, so he’ll play.”
The Cats lost their first final against Port Adelaide but earned the double chance by finishing in the top four, and will face Collingwood in the semi-final.
Duncan said he and his team-mates “obviously moved on pretty quick” from the loss and focused on their physical and mental recovery.
“We put ourselves in a position to play finals, give ourselves a double chance, so the world’s not over yet and it won’t be for a long time, so we’re really excited to play another final and we deserve to be there.”
Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins won the Coleman Medal this year but was uncharacteristically wayward against the Power, kicking no goals, five behinds and one out on the full.
Duncan said Hawkins would bounce back.
“He put himself in the position to score the goals, and I think that’s the main thing. He’s a proven converter, he won the Coleman – there’s not much more you can really say. He’ll get his opportunity again, and I daresay he’ll kick the goals.”