HAWTHORN midfielder Liam Shiels is a chance to make the trip to Sydney for Friday night’s match against the Swans despite re-injuring his ankle on Saturday.
The news is better than expected for the 22 year old who was playing in his first match at AFL level since injuring the same ankle in Round 14.
Shiels’ leg was caught under an opponent as he laid a tackle and rolled over on his ankle before being subbed out early in the second term.
Initially, the outlook for a possible finals campaign was grim, with Coach Alastair Clarkson expressing concern for his go-to defensive midfielder who had kept Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey to just three touches in a little over a quarter on Saturday.
He will train on Wednesday in a bid to make the trip to Sydney, something that looked unlikely in the aftermath of Hawthorn’s 14-point win over the Kangaroos.
“We had some scans yesterday, he was moving around well and was able to jog,” Head of Coaching and Development, Chris Fagan told hawthornfc.com.au
“It’s touch and go for this week but we’ll see how we go at training tomorrow.”
Shiels was a late inclusion for midfielder Jordan Lewis who didn’t play due to a corked hip.
With the injury only minor, the Hawks expect the Vice-Captain to return on Friday night.
“It wasn’t too bad; it was only ever going to be a one week injury so he should be available for selection this week,” Fagan said.
Along with Shiels, dynamic small forward Cyril Rioli will also need to prove his fitness at training after rolling his ankle in the final quarter of Saturday’s win.
It is the second time this season Rioli has had an issue with his ankle, last injuring it in Round 16 against Port Adelaide but played the following week.
Fagan says the injury isn’t major, but Rioli will be tested at training to ensure he’s fit for the last home and away match before finals.
“There’s nothing majorly wrong with him at the moment,” he said.
“He rolled his ankle and he’s a bit like ‘Shielsy’, he’ll need to get through training tomorrow to be available for selection.”
