HAWTHORN’s match committee have some selection dilemmas ahead of them this week, with a number of players returning from injury or putting their hand up for selection.
Ben Stratton and Ben McEvoy are all but certain to return to the Hawks’ line-up, bringing experience and maturity in important roles – Stratton down back and McEvoy in the ruck.
Journeyman Matt Spangher played with Box Hill’s Development team in their semi-final last week, finishing with two goals and playing in a number of different positions.
He has only had one AFL appearance in 2016 in Round 10 against Brisbane, but if he can keep himself fit he may well be Hawthorn’s wildcard in September.
The Hawks also have plenty of players to choose from who played in Box Hill’s last VFL game of 2016 two weeks ago, with Will Langford, Daniel Howe, Kaiden Brand, Jonathan O’Rourke and Angus Litherland among them.
Langford was particularly prominent, picking up 21 disposals and three goals in a best on ground display.
Howe (20 disposals) O’Rourke (17 disposals) and Litherland (17 disposals) have all built strong form in the VFL over recent weeks.
Brand was omitted for the Hawks’ Round 23 clash against Collingwood two weeks ago, but provides the Hawks with another tall option should they require it.
Hawthorn will name their side to take on the Cats tomorrow at 6.25pm AEST.