HAWTHORN General Manager – Football Operations, Chris Fagan says Brian Lake and Ryan Schoenmakers are “knocking the door down” after another impressive performance in the VFL.
Debate swirled about Lake following Tom Hawkins’ match-winning five-goal haul against the Hawks on Easter Monday, after he was named as an emergency for the blockbuster.
Still on the comeback trail following a three-game suspension and pre-season calf injury, Coach Alastair Clarkson revealed after the 19-point loss that Lake wasn’t yet fully conditioned for the rigors of AFL and needed another week in the VFL.
The Norm Smith medallist's game time in the VFL, however, was increased on Saturday and after impressive performances in defence from he and Schoenmakers in Box Hill’s 27-point win over Geelong’s VFL team, Fagan says both are on the cusp of selection.
“They’re knocking the door down, so we’ll see how that pans out later in the week,” he told hawthornfc.com.au.
“‘Lakey’ and ‘Ralphy’ (Schoenmakers) both played prominent roles in that victory and have put their hands up for selection.”
The defensive duo would be welcome additions to the Hawthorn backline ahead of Sunday’s clash against Richmond.
Tiger forward Jack Riewoldt returned to form last Thursday night with four goals in their victory over the Lions in Brisbane and looms as the danger man in a team that has beaten the Hawks in their last two meetings.
Fagan said the Hawks want to bounce back quickly from Monday’s loss and secure their first win against the Tigers against since Round 3, 2011.
“We’re looking for redemption,” he said. “The Club isn’t happy with the way we played on Monday but with all due respect to Geelong and the way they performed.
“We were really disappointed, so we’re looking forward to Sunday and trying to turn the tables on the Tigers who have been able to beat us the last couple of times we’ve played them.”
Fagan confirmed on Wednesday that Liam Shiels (shoulder) and Matt Spangher (ankle), who both missed the Easter Monday clash after suffering injuries against Gold Coast in Round 4, won’t return until after the bye in Round 9.
“They’ve made good progress over the last week, so we’re really happy with where they’re at,” he said.
“(But) we still don’t expect them to be available until after the bye.”
Luckless midfielder Alex Woodward will, however, return from a shoulder injury via Box Hill in their game against Coburg on Saturday at Mantello Holden Oval, while Brad Sewell is still a week away from returning following a hamstring complaint.
View the full injury list.
