Hawk defender’s comeback confirmed, mixed news for GWS
Roger Vaughan, Anna Harrington, Justin Chadwick and Shayne Hope |
Josh Weddle has been given the green light to make an important return for Hawthorn in their AFL elimination final against GWS.
Weddle has done everything right over the past few weeks in his comeback from a back injury and has been selected for Saturday’s knockout clash at Engie Stadium.
It comes as GWS key trio Jesse Hogan, Jake Stringer and Stephen Coniglio were cleared to face the Hawks, but Brent Daniels and Jack Buckley were ruled out.
Hawks running defender Weddle has not played since June because of bone stress, but successfully returned through the VFL last weekend.
“That would be beneficial for us, if he comes in, but when you get to this time of year it’s very rare that you rely on individual players,” Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said on Thursday before the teams were named.
“It’s very much the collective … we’ll try and keep it as team-focused as we can.”
Mitchell praised the club’s support staff for how they managed Weddle’s injury. At the time, there were fears it would end his season.
“Obviously his injury was bad timing in one sense, but I’m really pleased with the medical staff,” Mitchell said.
“They gave him as much rest as they could, knowing that if it went right they could get a run at it and give him a go to get back (for the finals).
“You have a young player who has some bone stress in his back, you give him as much rest as you can while still going for an outcome.”
While Weddle is ready to go, Harry Morrison (quad) remains sidelined.
Sam Butler has been recalled, with Mitch Lewis and veteran goal-sneak Luke Breust dropped.
Hogan (foot), Coniglio (concussion) and Stringer (hamstring) have all recovered from injuries, while Josh Kelly has overcome a calf issue.
But Buckley and Daniels aren’t ready to return from their own calf injuries.
Elsewhere, Fremantle forward Sam Switkowski has been ruled out of Saturday night’s elimination final against Gold Coast at Optus Stadium.
Switkowski copped a huge knock to a knee during the final-round win over the Western Bulldogs and the injury hasn’t healed as quickly as expected.
Despite only kicking 11 goals this season, Switkowski is one of Fremantle’s most important players given the intense pressure he applies and his classy delivery.
The Dockers have made two changes after Corey Wagner suffered a season-ending pectoral injury against the Bulldogs.
Isaiah Dudley and Nathan O’Driscoll return to the side.
Gold Coast made just one change, recalling retiring veteran David Swallow for Jake Rogers (omitted).
The Brisbane Lions have regained Lachie Neale and Jarrod Berry from quad and shoulder injuries for Friday night’s qualifying final against Geelong at the MCG.
Bruce Reville and James Tunstill make way while Darcy Fort has retained his place as starting ruckman, with Oscar McInerney to remain in the VFL.
Shannon Neale, Mark O’Connor and Jhye Clark return for the Cats, while Mitch Knevitt and Jed Bews have been dropped and ruckman Rhys Stanley is out injured.
AAP
