HAWTHORN forward Brendan Whitecross could make his comeback from a knee reconstruction against Brisbane after being named in an extended squad for Sunday’s game.
Whitecross ruptured his ACL against Collingwood in last year’s Qualifying Final, missing just over nine months of football.
He made a successful comeback with the Club’s VFL affiliate Box Hill two weeks ago, and gathered 26 touches in last week’s win over Werribee.
It hasn’t taken long for him to regain his touch, and could bolster the Hawks in the second half of the season.
Isaac Smith is also a chance to return after missing last week’s win over West Coast with a corked calf.
If he is selected, it will be his 50th AFL game.
Two Hawks could also make their debuts, with former Magpie Jonathon Ceglar named on the extended interchange and son of Club great Chris Langford, Will is in line for selection.
Kyle Cheney and Matt Spangher are also a chance to play. Cheney would be the logical inclusion for Grant Birchall, who will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a knee injury.
Birchall, Max Bailey (knee soreness) and Brent Guerra (back) will miss the game through injury.
The final team of 22 will be named at 5pm on Friday evening on hawthornfc.com.au
Round 14
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm
FB: Stratton Lake Duryea
HB: Mitchell Gibson Hodge
C: Smith Burgoyne Hill
HF: Gunston Franklin Ellis
FF: Savage Roughead Breust
Rucks: Hale, Sewell, Lewis
IC: Ceglar, Simpkin, Whitecross, Shiels, Langford, Cheney, Spangher
Ins: Ceglar, Smith, Whitecross, Langford, Cheney, Spangher
Out: Bailey (knee soreness), Guerra (back), Birchall (knee)
