Queensland great and Storm fullback Billy Slater will learn whether his illustrious career ends tonight. He faces the judiciary over a shoulder charge, while in AFL Collingwood prepares for its Grand Final meeting with West Coast.

Alex Brewster reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Huge crowds turned out this morning in Melbourne to watch the Pies train.

Steele Sidebottom was a firm crowd favourite after polling second in Brownlow voting behind winner Tom Mitchell, who is still processing the night.

Tom Mitchell, Brownlow Medallist: “It’s been a whirlwind the last twelve hours, yeah it’s hard to comprehend. Nah it’s all a bit of a blur, yeah even walking up on stage and collecting the medal, I’m pinching myself, it doesn’t feel real at the moment.”

Meanwhile Melbourne Storm’s star fullback, Billy Slater will face the NRL judiciary tonight to fight his one-game suspension for this shoulder charge.

Commentator: “Well we see Feki is taken. Well that’s going to be a huge bonus for the Sharks at the back end of the game.”

Both his teammates and opponents alike, believe he deserves to play.

James Tedesco, Roosters fullback: “It’s obviously hard in that situation, coming across at speeds, and Billy’s been saving tries like that, his whole career.”

Cameron Munster, Melbourne five-eighth: “I really hope he plays and hopefully we can play well on Sunday like I said before.”

Finally Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk needs a miracle to recover from a shoulder injury in time for Sunday’s Grand Final.

Alex Brewster, QUT News.