PREMIERSHIP ruckman David Hale appears set to return to the Hawthorn side for Sunday’s clash against the Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium after being named in an extended squad.
Hale has been named on an extended interchange for the Hawks but young ruckman Jonathon Ceglar has been omitted from the side the defeated the Swans last Saturday night.
The Hawks will trim the 25-man squad to 22 at 5pm tomorrow.
The ruckman is joined by defenders Matt Spangher and Taylor Duryea and youngster Billy Hartung as possible inclusions for Sunday.
After booting five goals, taking 10 marks and 34 hit outs in Box Hill’s VFL win over Coburg, Hale drew praise from former Box Hill premiership Coach Damian Caroll for his outstanding effort.
If selected for Sunday’s game, Hale will resume his partnership with Ben McEvoy for the first time since Round 10 against highly-rated Western Bulldogs big man, Will Minson.
Spangher missed Saturday night’s crucial win with ankle soreness but could be brought straight back into the team to bolster the defence alongside Josh Gibson who made a triumphant return from injury last week.
Duryea, who was omitted after the Round 17 win over Adelaide could also come in after a strong showing for Box Hill.
First-year midfielder Hartung, meanwhile has been listed as one of Box Hill’s best in his two games back from an elbow injury.
Hartung hurt his elbow against the Eagles in Round 12 but made a successful return via the VFL three weeks ago where he has starred.
He helped the Hawks upset ladder-leaders Footscray in his return thanks to a brilliant final term and picked up 22 disposals in last Sunday’s win.
His run and carry has been particularly impressive and had 13 handball receives against Coburg.
Round 19
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 3 August
Aurora Stadium, 3.20pm
B: Litherland Gibson Schoenmakers
HB: Hodge Stratton Birchall
C: Smith Mitchell Suckling
HF: Hill Gunston Breust
F: Puopolo Roughead Lewis
Foll: McEvoy Burgoyne Shiels
Interchange from: Hale Simpkin Woodward Spangher Langford Duryea Hartung
In: D.Hale , M.Spangher , T.Duryea , B.Hartung
Out: J.Ceglar (omitted)
