AFTER missing the last month with a hamstring injury, Hawthorn full forward Lance Franklin could return for the Hawks against the Power on Sunday.
Franklin has been listed as a ‘test’ on the injury list for the last two weeks, but has been training well for the Hawks in the lead up to the Round 20 clash.
Hawthorn General Manager - Football Operations, Mark Evans is hopeful that Franklin will board a flight to Launceston to take on the Power in Tasmania on Sunday.
“We hope so,” Evans said of a possible Franklin return.
“He trained really well on Saturday and again earlier this week.
“Let’s see how he goes by the end of this week, but hopefully big Buddy will be back out there.”
After making a successful return to the Hawthorn line-up against the Bombers in Round 18, ruckman Max Bailey was a late withdrawal for the Hawks on Friday night.
Bailey missed the two-point loss to Geelong through illness, but Evans believes the ruckman will be available for selection this weekend.
“He wasn’t quite 100 per cent on game day, so he didn’t play and didn’t play again at Box Hill the next day,” he said.
“Big Max will play again this week.”
Midfielder Liam Shiels will miss the clash with Port Adelaide on Sunday after accepting a one-match ban for striking Geelong’s Paul Chapman in the second quarter of the Round 19 loss.
That means that a position in the already strong Hawthorn midfield has opened up, giving players the chance to stake their claim for a position in the Hawks’ finals plans.
After impressive performances for Box Hill, midfielders Chance Bateman, Xavier Ellis and Bradley Hill could come into calculations.
Bateman was one of Box Hill’s best in the win over Coburg on the weekend, gathering 23 disposals in the 24-point win.
“There’s a few things there that we could try,” Evans said.
“Chance Bateman played a really good game at VFL level, Bradley Hill has been playing well.
“Xavier Ellis has made a really good comeback and was in Box Hill’s best as well.
“You never know, it might be one of the other players in our team that goes through the midfield.”
Developing ruckman Luke Lowden will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a wrist injury, he becomes the fourth Hawthorn player whose season has ended alongside Alex Woodward (knee), Michael Osborne (knee) and Andrew Boseley (shoulder).
Injury list
Andrew Boseley (shoulder) - seasonJarrad Boumann (hand) - 4 weeks
Amos Frank (calf) - test
Lance Franklin (hamstring) - test
Luke Lowden (wrist) - season
Michael Osborne (knee) - season
Derick Wanganeen (hamstring) - test
Alex Woodward (knee) - season
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View highlights and read the match report from Box Hill's win over Coburg.
