HAWTHORN defender Matt Spangher still believes he has a role to play in the Hawks' finals campaign, despite last lining up at AFL level in round 17.
The fan favourite, who famously finally became a premiership player last year after narrowly missing out on flags in 2006 with West Coast, 2012 with the Sydney Swans and 2013 with the Hawks, has battled hamstring issues this season.
He's played four AFL games, with the injury cutting him down between rounds four and nine and then costing him four games in the second half of the season, but retuned in the VFL on the weekend.
He said he remained confident he could still press for senior selection.
"I think the important part of our club is that everyone believes they can play a part," Spangher said on Wednesday.
"We've got a really good VFL side at the moment that's chugging along nicely.
"Clarko always says squads win premierships and it rings true, so whether you're in the 22 or not you have a role to play.
"I'm hoping I do get in there but sometimes it's tough ... I can't really worry too much about selection, fortunately I had a few minutes in the VFL last week and I'll more than likely play there again this week.
"I wouldn't be far off [full fitness]. If they needed me, I feel like I could play this week.
"Fortunately the list is in a real healthy shape, so maybe it's not in dire straits at this point."
The Hawks have known for some time they'll feature in the finals this month and potentially the next, with the Grand Final on October 3.
Spangher said while the players hadn't simply been counting down the days until the end of the home-and-away season, they were happy they could finally start focusing on finals after Saturday's clash with Carlton.
"I think everyone always looks forward to September," he said.
"It's not a waiting game, but ultimately when you know you're going to play finals your preparation is trying to be ready to go in the first week."
