HAWTHORN is hopeful Ben McEvoy, Ryan Schoenmakers and Matt Suckling will be available to play football at some level this weekend.
The Hawks were granted permission by AFL Victoria to play McEvoy, or one other unqualified player, in Box Hill’s Preliminary Final against Williamstown this Sunday.
The Seagulls have, however, appealed the decision with a hearing to be held on Wednesday night.
It is the same ruling that enabled young Hawk defender Taylor Duryea the opportunity to play in Box Hill’s Preliminary and Grand Finals.
Like McEvoy, Duryea had not played the minimum six VFL games required to be eligible to play finals, but Werribee consented to the decision.
Hawthorn GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said McEvoy’s availability for Box Hill is important for match conditioning.
“Both our teams, Hawthorn and Box Hill, are still alive so we want to be playing all available players,” he told hawthornfc.com.au
“AFL Victoria have been terrific in their understanding and flexibility in the last two years, enabling Taylor and Ben the opportunity to play.
“Hopefully we can have this sorted and Ben can take his place for Box Hill on Sunday.”
McEvoy has played five games for Box Hill this season, including their Qualifying Final win over Port Melbourne two weeks ago after being omitted from the AFL team.
Schoenmakers and Suckling, meanwhile have been granted permission to play in the Young Guns curtain raiser to Box Hill’s Preliminary Final on Sunday.
The Hawks hope Suckling, who has missed the last two matches with a knee injury will be available to play ahead of a potential Preliminary Final recall next Saturday.
Schoenmakers, like McEvoy will look to gain match conditioning after being omitted from the Hawthorn team for the Qualifying Final.
