HAWTHORN duo Ben McEvoy and Ben Stratton are in the mix to return in against Gold Coast after strong performances in the VFL on Saturday.
McEvoy played his second game back from suffering a corked hamstring against Port Adelaide in Round 10, while Stratton returned from an adductor injury that saw him miss three weeks.
Playing as the number one ruckman for Box Hill, McEvoy was best on ground in the 85-point win over Casey with five goals, 25 hit outs, 16 disposals, nine marks and seven tackles.
Stratton’s return was a modest one, playing in his usual defensive role across half-back and was a valuable contributor to the victory.
General Manager – Football Operations, Chris Fagan said both are in the mix to further strengthen a Hawthorn side that has won its last four in a row.
“Both those guys will be considered strongly at selection this week, we just have to see which way we go, given the team has been in good form in recent weeks,” he told hawthornfc.com.au
The possible inclusion of the pair would mean the Hawks are almost back at full strength, with Sam Mitchell (hamstring) and Josh Gibson (pectoral) the only other experienced players still unavailable due to injury.
The Hawks have coped well with a once long injury list, with ruckman Jonathon Ceglar and defenders Matt Spangher, Kyle Cheney and Angus Litherland impressing since coming in and would be considered unlucky to be left out of the side.
Mitchell is due back in the next few weeks – listed as being 1-2 weeks away from returning from the hamstring injury sustained in Round 7.
“Sam is impatient to play it’s fair to say,” Fagan said. “He’s been going well now for two or three weeks.”
Liam Shiels received a knock to his calf in the win over Collingwood on Saturday but after playing out the game has been declared fit to take on the Suns in Tasmania, as has full back Brian Lake after pulling up well from his first game back from injury.
Josh Gibson, meanwhile, is 4-5 weeks away from resuming from his torn pectoral muscle, while youngster Billy Hartung is also a month away following an elbow injury.
Rookie Zac Webster, who has been in impressive form for Box Hill and listed among their best most weeks injured his hamstring on Saturday and will miss four weeks.
