Hibberd expected to play in AFL final

Melbourne defender Michael Hibberd left training early on Tuesday but is expected to play in the AFL semi-final against Hawthorn

Demons AFL star Michael Hibberd

Demons star Michael Hibberd, an 121-game veteran, is loving the novelty of playing the AFL finals. (AAP)

Melbourne defender Michael Hibberd is expected to play in the AFL semi-final against Hawthorn despite leaving training early.

Hibberd appeared to have knee discomfort during Tuesday morning's session but the Demons are confident he will be ready for the MCG clash on Friday night.

The backman missed four matches late in the season because of a quad injury.

It will take a lot for Hibberd not to be available for the Hawks, especially given what he has been through.

Amid the euphoria of Melbourne's first finals win for 12 years last Friday, the emotions were particularly strong for Hibberd and his good mate Jake Melksham.

This time two years ago, they were among the 34 Essendon players about to end their 12-month doping bans, which were imposed because of the Bombers' supplements debacle.

Melksham was already at Melbourne, having been traded after the 2015 season, and Hibberd joined him in late 2016.

Hibberd and Melksham have been important players for the Demons in their long-awaited return to the top eight.

They shared a couple of moments either side of last Friday night's elimination final win over Geelong.

"It's been an incredible journey, a lot of ups and downs" Hibberd said.

"We had a little moment after the game and even before the game.

"We looked at each other and said, 'We've been waiting a long time for this'."

It is the first finals win for Hibberd and Melksham, who each played in a losing elimination final at Essendon.

Now a 121-game veteran, Hibberd is finding it a novel experience to still be playing in September.

"But I'm loving it and I don't want it to end," he said.

"Sometimes at this time of year, you feel a bit gassed and you're about done, you've probably had enough of playing footy.

"At the moment, I feel like I could play for another three months."

Next the Demons play Hawthorn on Friday night in a semi-final and Hibberd is determined that they keep going.

"Now I feel like people are starting to see it the way I saw it and the way Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) envisioned it," he said.

"He talked it up to me that this could be the list that goes well in finals."


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Source: AAP



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