AFTER sending a scare through the Hawthorn camp in Friday night’s 50-point win over Carlton, Lance Franklin could play against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.
Franklin jogged to the bench early in the final quarter of the Hawks’ win and disappeared down the race with what was later revealed as tightness in his hamstring.
Scans on Sunday confirmed that there was no tear or bleeding in the spearhead’s hamstring.
General Manager - Football Operations, Mark Evans revealed that Franklin has participated in running drills at training this week.
“The latest news is that Buddy ran today and ran okay,” Evans said.
“We’re really pleased it’s a low grade injury and we’ll see where he gets to by the end of the week.
“Things are going well at this stage.”
Skipper Luke Hodge is nearing a return to the Hawks side after playing just two matches so far this season.
Hodge injured the posterior cruciate ligament in the Hawks’ Round 6 win over St Kilda and has battled to overcome the injury.
The Hawks skipper has trained strongly over the past three weeks and could bolster the Hawks line-up as soon as Sunday’s match at the MCG against Greater Western Sydney.
“He’s travelling really well,” Evans said.
“He’s trained really strongly over the last three weeks and he’s just about ready to go.
“He’ll either play this week or next week, and we’ll make that decision at the end of this week.
“It’s going to be hard to hold Hodgey back.”
Ruckman Max Bailey is also nearing a return, with the ruckman participating in full training over the past two weeks.
“He is close to returning,” Evans said.
“I would hope that he’s a week or two away from resuming playing in the VFL.”
Evans also revealed that a number of youngsters are pushing for senior selction after showing consistent good form for VFL affiliate Box Hill.
Bradley Hill, Kyle Cheney, Derick Wanganeen and Luke Lowden were among the best on the weekend for Box Hill in their win over the Northen Blues.
Evans said that the continued improvement of the Hawks youngsters provides the Hawks with a healthy selection quandary.
“There’s a lot of players now starting to push through,” Evans said.
“It’s good to have that depth and I’m sure that a few of these guys will get opportunities over the next few weeks.”
Injury list
Max Bailey (wrist) - 1-2 weeks
Xavier Ellis (knee) - 1-2 weeks
Lance Franklin (hamstring tightness) - test
Luke Hodge (knee) - test
Will Langford (shoulder) - 1-2 weeks
Michael Osborne (knee) - season
Alex Woodward (knee) - season
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Brendan Whitecross says Luke Hodge is a chance to return against Greater Western Sydney on Sunday. Scans on Lance Franklin's hamstring revealed no damage. Check out the match report from Box Hill's win over the Northern Blues.
