Veteran defender Grant Birchall heads a list of four possible inclusions for Box Hill’s Preliminary Final with Williamstown, with the premiership Hawk in line for his first taste of competitive football in 441 days should he take the field.
Should both the AFL and VFL teams be successful this weekend, Birchall shapes as a brilliant addition to a Hawthorn side contesting a Preliminary Final.
Another whose name is in the mix is ruckman Jonathon Ceglar, named at centre half-forward in Chris Newman’s extended squad.
Ceglar was a dominating presence in his appearances for Box Hill earlier in the season, playing as recently as the Round 21 win over Geelong. The big-man slipped seamlessly into the role of ruck/forward following an 18-month layoff with a knee injury, using City Oval as a springboard into the AFL team.
Joining them are two members of Box Hill’s leadership group, Nick Evans and Billy Murphy.
Murphy is the Hawks’ second most prolific goalscorer in season 2018 and his pace and industry across half-forward can always be relied on.
Read: Three changes for Semi Final
The tricky small was unlucky to miss out on selection for both of the Brown and Gold’s finals thus far, having figured in his side’s final three home and away matches, including a three-goal performance against the ladder-leading Casey in round 20.
Evans was another who saw action in those last three games of the regular season and was unfortunately squeezed out by a handful of returning AFL-listed talent come the Elimination Final victory over Port Melbourne. Like Murphy, he’s one who can be relied upon if called upon, though unlike Murphy his area of expertise is across half-back.
There have been no omissions to the 23-man that was successful last Sunday, however the team will be finalised prior to the first bounce.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to skip the queues and pre-book their tickets online here.
Ins: G. Birchall, J. Ceglar, N. Evans, B. Murphy
Outs:
VFL Preliminary Final
Box Hill Hawks v Williamstown
Sunday 16th Sep, 2:10pm
North Port Oval
B | 43. C Jiath | 59. K Brand | 42. T Miles |
HB | 44. C Glass | 61. T O’Brien | 34. G Birchall |
C | 50. D Willsmore | 2. A Moore | 52. J O’Rourke |
HF | 36. D Moore | 57. J Ceglar | 60. K Lovell |
F | 37. J Ross | 39. M Lewis | 51. B Whitecross |
R | 56. M Pittonet | 36. J Cousins | 41. O Hanrahan |
Int | 12. C Jones | 10. W Hams | 13. N Evans |
4. M O’Donnell | 7. A Brolic | 3. B Murphy | |
14. N Lane | 11. B Kilpatrick | ||
23rd | 17. T Maloney |