Gibson’s ankle OK
Josh Gibson will miss his side’s Round 8 clash against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday with an ankle injury, but Coach Alastair Clarkson says it’s nothing serious.
Gibson hurt his left ankle in a contest with Sydney’s Adam Goodes in the third quarter of Saturday night’s win over the Swans.
As Gibson attempted to gather a loose ball near the boundary line in front of the Southern Stand, Goodes slid in attempting to kick the footy towards his team’s goals.
As a result, Gibson landed awkwardly on his left ankle and immediately grimaced in pain.
The defender played out the remainder of the game and was one of Hawthorn’s best in the win, gathering 27 disposals and blanketed his opponent, Sam Reid.
Clarkson conceded the injury is “not very serious” and hopes his star defender will be available for next weekend’s match against Gold Coast.
“He hurt his ankle in that incident, but it’s not very serious,” he said at Melbourne Airport on Friday.
“He came back onto the ground to play, so he’s not too bad.
“Having said that, he’s got a little bit of damage there so we’ll make sure he gets it right this week and can hopefully get back into it next week.”
Recruit Matt Spangher will replace the injured Gibson, set to make his debut for his third AFL club (formerly Sydney and West Coast).
Spangher was traded to the Club from the Swans on the final day of last season’s trade period and impressed over the pre-season.
At 197cm and 96kgs, the Hawks utility is capable of playing at both ends of the ground, and provides another versatile option key position player at Clarkson’s fingertips.
Clarkson admits Spangher has been “stiff” not to have already make his debut for the Club, given his form over the pre-season and at Box Hill.
He says he was a victim of the early form shown by Ryan Schoenmakers and Gibson and now, the form of fellow recruit, Brian Lake.
“He’s been really stiff that he hasn’t played earlier,” Clarkson said.
“With Schoenmakers and Gibson earlier on playing good footy and then Schoey going out and Lake coming in, it’s meant that ‘Spang’ hasn’t had much of a chance.
“He’s been playing great footy at Box Hill and he gets his chance tomorrow.
“Hopefully he makes a contribution for us and can stay in the side.”
The Hawks take on the Giants at Aurora Stadium on Saturday and the Hawks boss says his team are approaching it like any other game.
The fact their opponents sits winless and on the bottom of the AFL ladder is of no consideration.
“We just approach every opponent in the same way,” Clarkson said.
“We’ve got a game of footy that we’ve got to win.
“(We’ll) continue to rehearse the things we need to refine to be a really good finals side.”