Bendigo Advertiser |SIMON Rosa admits he is finding it hard to stay positive as he battles a back injury.
The Golden Square star was forced from the field late in the first quarter of Saturday night’s semi-final against Strathfieldsaye and is no certainty to play in this weekend’s preliminary final against Sandhurst.
“I’m trying to stay as positive as I can. It’s all about recovery this week and, hopefully, I can play on Saturday,’’ 32-year-old Rosa said.
“It’s been there for six weeks or so and hasn’t improved much. I’ve been trying to manage it, but it’s very frustrating.
“If this is my last year of footy I don’t want it to end like this. I’m hoping I can get it right and help the boys against Sandhurst.
“At the moment it’s a day-to-day scnario. If I feel good at the end of the week I’ll play, if not I’ll watch on and hope the boys get through to the grand final.”
Rosa is no stranger to back complaints.
“This is no different to a couple of other finals series where I’ve had trouble with my back,’’ Rosa said.
“The back has felt poor on Wednesday or Thursday, but my Saturday I have full range of movement and I can play.
“The rest of my body is as good as it’s felt all year, so if I can get my back right I’m confident that I can have an impact.”
Rosa said the Bulldogs had been stung by their sub-par second semi-final performance against the Storm.
“Strathfieldsaye were a class above us on Saturday night and it shows how tough they will be to beat,’’ Rosa said.
“Obviously, we’d love to have another crack at Strathfieldsaye, but we have to focus on Sandhurst.
“We’ve beaten Sandhurst three times this year, but they only have to beat us this week and those other games don’t matter.”
Meanwhile, Sandhurst will be without key midfielder Adam Parry for the preliminary final.
Parry accepted an automatic one-match suspension after being reported for striking Eaglehawk’s Brodie Collins in Sunday’s first semi-final.
