SKIPPER Luke Hodge will miss the 2015 grand final rematch against West Coast Eagles at the MCG on Sunday, meaning the Hawks will need to make at least one change to their Round 1 line-up.
Here are some of the players who could be in contention for a Round 2 call-up.
Liam Shiels
GM – Football Operations suggested Liam Shiels could be a possibility to take on the Eagles in this week’s Bupa Recovery Report, news which would be more than welcomed by Hawks fans.
The in-and-under midfielder was set to miss four to six weeks with a wrist injury, but his progress appears to be quicker than expected.
Shiels would loom as arguably the ideal replacement for skipper Luke Hodge
Jonathon Ceglar
A back spasm ruled Jonathon Ceglar out of Round 1, and the Hawks will be hoping he is fit and firing for this week’s grand final rematch.
Ceglar played an important role in the Hawks’ home-and-away season win against the Eagles last season, and combatting mobile Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui will be pivotal.
GM – Football Operations said Ceglar was “no certainty” on Tuesday, but the club is hopeful he will be okay to play.
Daniel Howe
After a strong NAB Challenge campaign, Daniel Howe will no doubt feature in the selection discussion this week.
The versatile midfielder-defender is skilful with ball in hand – and after a below-average disposal efficiency across the board against the Cats – could slot into the side.
Brendan Whitecross
With the likes of Hodge, Hill, Roughead and potentially Shiels still sidelined, the Hawks could turn to experienced utility Brendan Whitecross against the Eagles.
With 88 games to his name, Whitecross has plenty of experience in big games and can play across all three lines.
Kaiden Brand
The Eagles pack a potent forward line – as their 26-goal effort against Brisbane Lions in Round 1 suggests – and Kaiden Brand presents another key defensive option.
With Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling stationed up forward, Jeremy McGovern a chance to spend more time forward in 2016 with the return of full back Eric Mackenzie and either Scott Lycett or Nic Naitanui resting inside 50, 198-centimetre Brand could be considered for his debut.
Blake Hardwick
First-year Hawk Blake Hardwick was an emergency in Round 1, and could add another avenue to goal if the Hawks’ opt for a smaller forward line against the Eagles.
Hardwick showed some promising signs in the NAB Challenge and could complement the likes of Paul Puopolo, Luke Breust and Cyril Rioli as a dangerous option inside 50.
