HAWTHORN midfielder Bradley Hill is no guarantee to return for the Hawks in Friday night’s clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
The Hawks are taking a cautious approach with the gun youngster after he experienced soreness in his knee during the pre-game warm-up ahead of Friday night’s loss to North Melbourne.
Hill was pulled out of the Hawthorn side at the last minute, with emergency Ben Ross forced to pull on a playing kit as his teammates ran onto Etihad Stadium.
General Manager – Football Operations Chris Fagan said a decision on Hill’s availability will be made on Thursday.
“It was a little thing in the knee called the ITB,” he told hawthornfc.com.au of Hill’s complaint.
“We’ll see how we goes through this week and make a decision later, probably on Thursday as to whether he plays or has another week to rest it up.”
Hill has been an important player for the Hawks this season, with Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson declaring post-match his team missed the premiership wingman’s run against the Roos.
The soon-to-be 21 year old has averaged 21.4 disposals per game this year and is ranked number one at the club for inside 50s.
He has been an important link-up player through the midfield who has provided a lot of dash.
While Hill is in doubt to face the Crows, the Hawks will be forced to make at least one change with veteran midfielder Brad Sewell injuring his hamstring in the opening term.
Sewell will miss the next 3-4 weeks.
In better news, youngster Billy Hartung could return from an elbow injury after missing just a month of footy.
Hartung, who was taken by the Hawks with their first pick, number 24 overall in last year’s National Draft was expected to miss up to six weeks but could return as early as this week.
“He just need to get through a fitness test on Thursday and he’ll be available for selection,” Fagan said.
Hartung suffered the injury in the Round 12 win over West Coast in Tasmania.
Sam Mitchell, meanwhile has pulled up well following his return from injury, while Josh Gibson (pectoral) is on track to return against the Swans in Round 18.
