The Reds have been ruthless in selection in the past fortnight, with the likes of seasoned campaigners Mark Rudan and Robbie Cornthwaite available for selection but again cooling their heels on the sidelines for the second week in a row.

But Vidmar insisted Dodd's non-selection was injury rather than form related.

"Travis was not dropped," Vidmar said. "Travis had a slight strain at the back of his knee from last week, right up the the top of the calf, and we gave him every opportunity to get himself ready for the game.

"He had a final test yesterday (Thursday) afternoon and he still pulled up quite sore so unfortunately for us and for Travis, he had to miss out."