Swans ruckman, Shane Mumford, has been cleared to play in this Saturday’s AFL grand final.

The match review panel rejected allegations that he targeted Chris Dawes’ injured knee, during the preliminary final against Collingwood.

Rachel Kramer reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It didn’t take long for an investigation to clear Shane Mumford of any wrongdoing during last Friday’s match against the Pies, leaving the Swans a clear run to the all-birds finals face-off against the Hawks.

Hawthorn are still facing doubts about the fitness of their skipper, Luke Hodge, who was quarantined over the weekend with gastro.

He was back and training today.

Teammates are adamant he’ll play at the MCG.

Jordan Lewis, Hawthorn Midfielder: “I’m sure a few of his Colac maters would have been getting into him for missing a game with the sniffles but, you know, he looks great this morning and he’s ready to go.”

Saturday’s match seems set to be as close a race as tonight’s Brownlow Medal presentation.

The Gold Coast’s Gary Ablett, Richmond’s Trent Cotchin and Essendon’s Jobe Watson have been identified as joint favourites, but there is no clear frontrunner.

In the NRL, the Canterbury Bulldogs admit Melbourne has the advantage of experience in the lead up to this weekend’s grand final.

Steve Turner, Bulldogs Winger: “They are an experienced bunch down there and also the players but coach Craig will have them ready for the game on Saturday.”

But Turner says the Doggies will meet Storm’s triple threat of Cronk, Slater and Smith head-on with the support of their very vocal home crowd to carry them through to victory.

Rachel Kramer, QUT News.