From Hobart Mercury
Reported by James Besnehan
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BALL-MAGNETS Scott Stephens and Brady Jones passed fitness tests at state training in Launceston last night and will take their place in the state's clash with the VFL at Blundstone Arena on Saturday.
Tasmanian coach Adam Sanders breathed a sigh of relief knowing he could bank on their physical presence and leadship in Tasmania's midfield.
One of Clarence's onball prime-movers this season, Jones (shoulder) was rested from the Roos' 20-point win over Launceston at Bellerive last Saturday, the same game in which Blues captain Stephens injured his foot.
Stephens limped off with a badly bruised hoof, but made it through training at Aurora Stadium last night.
Jones was put through contact and tackling tests, and came through with flying colours. Sanders places a high value on both men.
"Brady has impressed me with the way he's played for Clarence and also with the way he's trained with the (state) squad," Sanders said last night.
"His workrate is great and he really wants to play.
"Scott is one of the elder statesmen of the team so we're obviously keen to get him up for the game and he's really keen to play."
The squad of 26 was reduced by one last night when North Launceston midfielder Dylan Riley was unable to train because of a strained adductor muscle.
After the session, state selectors agonised over team makeup and, while the team will be announced today, Sanders said it might not take its final form until Saturday morning match day.
"With the weather conditions indicating there could be some rain, it might not be until the morning of the game we decide on the final 22," Sanders said.
"We've got the three big tall forwards/ruckmen in the squad, and if it's pouring with rain and blowing a gale it might change our thinking a bit.
"It comes down to knowing what the weather is doing and the way they (VFL) go with their 22."
Tasmania will have its fourth and final training session at Bellerive late tomorrow.
"Tonight was solid as a session and we worked on key points and hit home with some structural things around the stoppages and our forward set-up," Sanders said.
"We went over the opposition as as well, so that we can concentrate on ourselves on Friday and Saturday."
