HAWTHORN pair Cyril Rioli and Ben Stratton are expected to make the trip to Tasmania to take on the Bulldogs on Saturday despite suffering injury concerns in the win over Port Adelaide.
In just his second game back from a nine-week layoff, Rioli rolled his ankle in the second term of last Saturday’s win and limped from the field, causing concern in the Hawthorn coaches box.
The Hawks dynamo returned to the field soon after with his ankle strapped and played out the game before kicking a trademark opportunist snap goal in the final quarter.
Head of Coaching and Development, Chris Fagan says the Hawks expect Rioli to play against the Bulldogs on Saturday.
“It was a good effort by Cyril (to play out the game), I was a bit worried when he came from the ground but they strapped it up and he got back out there and moved really well” he told hawthornfc.com.au
“He played out the whole game so we’re thinking he should be right to play.”
Stratton is also expected to line-up for the Hawks on the weekend despite being subbed out of the game last Saturday with concussion.
The reliable defender copped a hit to the head in the third quarter and played no further part in the game.
A speedy recovery post-match and showing no signs of any lasting effects this week, means the Hawks expect him to play this weekend.
“During the game he wasn’t too good so we had to sub him out but he made a quick recovery post-game and so far this week he’s been as good as gold,” Fagan said.
“All things being equal, he’ll play.”
Star forward Lance Franklin who missed last Saturday’s win with knee soreness will face a fitness test on Thursday before being declared fit to play, while midfielder Liam Shiels is edging closer to a return.
Shiels injured his ankle against the Lions in Round 14 and hasn’t played since.
He has stepped up his training this week but the Hawks will be cautious with his return, still listed as being two weeks away.
“He’s stepped it up a little bit this week but we think he may miss another couple of games just to make sure he’s right,” Fagan said.
“He’s back into running and feeling good. It’s just a matter of lifting up his training, doing a bit more skill work and making sure he’s confident that he’s right when he comes back.”
