Sports digest

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Walsh given late finals chance for Sydney Swans

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL:Former Kerry footballer Tommy Walsh has been given an 11th hour opportunity to play a role for high-flying Sydney Swans in the AFL’s finals’ series, earning a recall for tomorrow’s round 23 clash against Geelong.

Walsh has had to wait in the wings since the end of May, when he was dropped after a horror showing in round 9 against his former club St Kilda. That came just a week after finally making his AFL debut with a two-goal contribution as the Bloods pounded Melbourne.

The 24-year-old has bided his time in the NEAFL with the reserves since then, producing some excellent performances that included bagging six goals just a couple of weeks ago.

The NSW club play champions Geelong in the final round of the home-and-away series, with a chance of winning the minor premiership by finishing top of the league table.

An injury to key forward Sam Reid has given Walsh a late opportunity to impress as the season draws to a climax.

The Tralee man failed to make the breakthrough with St Kilda in two seasons, having signed a contract with them in 2009.

Meanwhile, Zach Tuohy plays in what will be Brett Ratten’s last game as Carlton head coach, after the Blues boss was told he would be sacked at the end of the season having failed to get the club into the finals.

Caolán Mooney’s untimely ankle injury rules him out, while Martin Clarke remains out of favour.

Pearce Hanley will play his final game of another outstanding season for him as Brisbane play host to Western Bulldogs.

Perez to make decision on future in next few weeks

MOTOR SPORT:Sergio Perez is to make a decision on his future within the next few weeks. Although heavily linked with Ferrari as a potential replacement for Felipe Massa for 2013, the interest appears to have waned.

The 22-year-old Mexican, a member of the Scuderia’s young driver academy, yesterday confirmed there was no contact with Ferrari over the recent summer break.

Perez, ninth in the drivers’ standings and having finished on the podium in Malaysia and Canada this season, knows the clock is ticking.

“It’s getting closer to when I have to make a decision, whether I stay with the team or if I will leave,” said Perez.

“It’s still a bit early, but it has to be made quite soon, in the next weeks, although I’m not really worried about it.

“I’m in a good position, and I’m just thinking about the second half of the season, which is the most important for me.

“But I need to speak to my people to see what is going to happen about my future.”

Asked as to whether there was any further interest from Ferrari, he said: “No, not really.”