Mitch McGovern/Getty Images
Adelaide will be without Mitch McGovern on Friday night in their preliminary final clash with Geelong at the Adelaide Oval.
McGovern initially injured his hamstring in a training session last Saturday, and struggled through the week before being officially ruled out on Thursday afternoon.
Adelaide coach Don Pyke told reporters on Thursday the club wouldn't risk the 22-year-old forward, and hope he can return to their side for the grand final should they beat the Cats.
“He won’t play tomorrow night,” Pyke said.
“We’re hopeful he could be right for the following week (should we advance).
“He’s made some good progress since Saturday. It was a bridge too far for tomorrow night, but we remain hopeful (for next week) should we progress and we’ll give him every chance.”
McGovern missed 10 games during the middle of the season with a hamstring injury, although that was on his opposite leg.