HAWTHORN expects to regain key defender Josh Gibson and young speedster Bradley Hill from injury for Sunday’s match against Gold Coast at the MCG.
Gibson missed last Saturday’s win over Greater Western Sydney with an ankle injury sustained against the Swans in Round 7.
He landed awkwardly on his right ankle as Swan Adam Goodes attempted to kick the footy off the ground and subsequently suffered discomfort last week.
The Hawks erred on the side of caution with the key defender and decided not to risk him against the Giants, instead utilising its depth of talent with recruit Matt Spangher making his debut for the Club.
Head of Coaching and Development, Chris Fagan says Gibson trained well on Tuesday and should be available for Sunday’s match.
“He trained this morning (Tuesday) and it looks like he’s made a full recovery,” Fagan said.
“We’d expect he’d be available for selection this week.”
Hill was a late withdrawal from the Round 8 match despite travelling with the team to Tasmania.
Despite training on Friday night, Hill was sore with a corkie sustained in the Grand Final re-match.
With the youngster playing in just his second season at the level, the Hawthorn medical staff decided to rest the youngster so he could make a full recovery.
“He had a corkie, which he carried through the week last week and he wasn’t quite right at training on Friday night so we thought it best, being a young player to rest him,” Fagan said.
“He’s made a full recovery; he trained well this morning (Tuesday) and will be in line for selection.”
In more good news for the Hawks, injured star Cyril Rioli has begun running duties and is on track for a return after the Club’s Round 11 bye.
Rioli has missed the past three matches with a hamstring injury.
The Hawks won’t rush his return date though, and will instead make sure he’s 100 per cent fit before he returns.
“Cyril is going well, he’s been jogging laps for the last couple of weeks,” Fagan said.
“His recovery is on track and we expect some time after the bye he should be available.
“He’s got to be right before we play him.”
Xavier Ellis will make his first appearance for 2013 on the weekend when he plays for Box Hill.
