HAWTHORN has been strengthened by the possible return of key duo Josh Gibson and Bradley Hill for Sunday’s clash against Gold Coast at the MCG.
Gibson (ankle) and Hill (corkie) missed last weekend’s win over Greater Western Sydney, with the latter travelling to Tasmania but was a late withdrawal for the game.
They have been named in an extended squad for the Round 9 clash, bolstering the term that defeated the Giants by 83 points to move to the top of the AFL ladder.
Ruckman Sam Grimley could make his debut for the Club on Sunday after being named on the extended interchange.
Grimley has been close to selection for a number of weeks now, and has been an emergency for the Hawks on a number of occasions this year after impressive performances in the VFL.
Defender Kyle Cheney could also make his first appearance for the Hawks this season after a string of good performances with Box Hill.
A tough and gritty defender, Cheney can play a lock down role on the opposition’s small forwards and can play through the midfield as well.
Luke Breust and Pau Puopolo have been named in the squad and if selected in the side to be trimmed to 22 on Friday afternoon, with play their 50th AFL matches.
Round 9 squad
FB: Stratton Lake Guerra
HB: Mitchell Gibson Birchall
C: Smith Hodge Shiels
HF: Puopolo Franklin Lewis
FF: Gunston Roughead Breust
Rucks: Bailey Sewell Burgoyne
I/C: Spangher, Simpkin, Grimley, Hill, Duryea, Cheney, Osborne
IN: Gibson. Hill, Cheney, Grimley
OUT: Hale (ankle)
