Depleted Hawks give Skipper a chance to shine
The Age
Thursday March 11, 2010
HAWTHORN has called on former Western Bulldogs fringe player Wayde Skipper for its final practice match in a bid to solve its ruck woes.Skipper, who will have to be elevated from the rookie list if he is to play in the home-and-away season, is part of the Hawks' 26-man squad to play a virtual full-strength Brisbane Lions team in Southport tomorrow.The Lions included veteran midfielder Luke Power for the first time in the pre-season, after his recovery from a groin injury.Fellow midfield star Simon Black and defensive playmaker Josh Drummond will also play their first games for the year, after being scheduled to play in last weekend's cancelled clash with Geelong.While the Lions were able to name their stars, including the potent forward duo Brendan Fevola and Jonathan Brown, the Hawks will be missing several big names.Shaun Burgoyne, Cyril Rioli and Clinton Young remain sidelined by injury, while No. 1 ruckman Simon Taylor and tough midfielder Brad Sewell were injured in the Hawks' practice match against North Melbourne last weekend and will miss several weeks. They will also rest running defender Grant Birchall.Taylor's absence for the next four months with a broken leg, combined with the long-term knee injury to Max Bailey, have given Skipper the chance to push for a spot partnering Brent Renouf.Sydney gave a strong indication draftees Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan were in the frame for opening-round selection, by naming them in the 24-man squad for tomorrow's practice match against North Melbourne in Narrandera. Injured full-forward Daniel Bradshaw was the one big name missing from the squad.The Kangaroos also named a near full-strength squad, although Ed Lower was forced out after breaking his leg.Adelaide regained key defender Nathan Bock and ruckman Ivan Maric from injury for tomorrow's match against Carlton at Visy Park. Scott Thompson and Andrew McLeod will sit out the game. Blues stars Bryce Gibbs, Matthew Kreuzer, Brock McLean and Bret Thornton will all play. AAP
© 2010 The Age
