Grant Birchall is an outside chance to make his long-awaited return to football this weekend.
After experiencing a minor adductor strain last week on the eve of a return, the veteran defender has put together a solid week of training to put himself in the mix for Box Hill’s Preliminary Final.
“As we know he’s had a few issues adapting to the intensity of skill after missing so much time,” said Director of High Performance Andrew Russell.
“But he trained today, he did the full session with the boys this morning, and he trained well.
“We need to see how he pulls up, he’ll train again Thursday, and he’s an outside chance to play football this weekend."
The defender injured his knee in Round 7 2017. He returned for two games late in the year, before requiring further surgery that kept him out of the 2018 home and away season.
Meanwhile, Ben Stratton could be an outside chance to make a speedy return if the Hawks make it through to a Preliminary Final berth.
“He’s got a low grade hamstring,” said Russell.
“He definitely won’t play this week, and he’ll be an assess if we get through this week for the following [game].”
Watch this week’s Bupa Recovery Report for a complete injury update ahead of Friday night’s Semi Final against the Demons.
