By ROY WARD
DANDENONG Thunder defender Craig Elvin will have to prove his fitness to club medical staff before the Victorian Premier League grand final this Sunday.
The veteran defender was knocked out and suffered neck soreness in the second half of the Thunder’s 4-1 win over Green Gully on Saturday. He fell awkwardly on the side of his head upon landing from heading the ball.
Elvin was treated on the field for several minutes and wanted to continue playing but was told by medical staff he could not return. Thunder coach Chris Taylor said Elvin, after being substituted, was sent to hospital for tests on his neck and head.
Taylor said he would listen to club medical staff when deciding whether to let the central defender take his place in Sunday’s final against Oakleigh Cannons.
He also paid tribute to Elvin’s fighting qualities. “He is the sort of player who, if you chopped his leg off, would hop around on the other leg for you.”
Thunder star Luke Sherbon has tipped Elvin to play in the final. “Craig’s fine; on Monday he will be training, no doubt,” Sherbon said post-game. “He tried to come back on after his head injury; He’s probably the bravest guy I’ve ever played with. He will be playing.”
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