HAWTHORN expects to regain Grant Birchall and David Hale for Sunday’s match against Melbourne at the MCG.
Defender Birchall (back soreness) and Hale (ankle) missed last Sunday’s win over Gold Coast due to injury, but are expected to be fit after training well on Tuesday.
Birchall was a late withdrawal from last Sunday’s win over Gold Coast with a back complaint.
Head of Coaching and Development Chris Fagan revealed the issue with the defender’s back had plagued him during the week.
The Club decided not to risk Birchall, given he’s a key player with his drive off half back crucial to Hawthorn’s ability to counterattack.
Fagan says the Club expects to regain Birchall for the clash against the Demons after he trained well on Tuesday.
“That troubled him last week for most of the week and we made the decision close to the game not to play him, not to take the risk,” he said.
“He trained well yesterday so we expect he’ll be available for selection this week.”
Hale was the only confirmed out for the Hawks when it named its 25-man squad last Thursday night, succumbing to the ankle complaint that has dogged him for the past few weeks.
Fagan says the Club opted to give the ruckman/forward a rest and the opportunity to get his ankle right before returning for the side’s final game before its Round 11 bye.
Hale will need to, however, get through full training this week before he is declared fit to take on the Demons.
“That’s been something (his ankle) that has niggled away at Haley for a few weeks so we took the opportunity to give him a rest and get him right,” Fagan said
“Like Birch, we expect him to train fully tomorrow and be available for selection.”
In further good news for the Club, midfielder Xavier Ellis made a successful return to football for Box Hill on Saturday.
Ellis has been sidelined with a calf injury since the pre-season, with his game for Box Hill his first of 2013.
The midfielder had nine disposals and kicked a goal with limited game time.
“Clarko and I travelled up to have a look at that game last week and we’re pleased to report that ‘X’ got through the game,” Fagan said.
“He didn’t star, but he certainly did a few really good things during the game that helped the team have a great win.
“Importantly though, he got through and has a game under his belt now and more confidence in his body and hopefully he can step up again this week.”
