Hawthorn faces potential setbacks ahead of Saturday’s game against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, with recruit Jack Ginnivan and captain James Sicily both uncertain for the match, while young forward Calsher Dear is confirmed to miss out after failing to participate in training this week.
Ginnivan was forced to cut short his training session on Thursday morning due to a lower leg issue, which reportedly arose following a fitness test at Waverley Park. The former Collingwood premiership player sustained the injury late in Hawthorn’s recent 61-point victory over West Coast and will be assessed closer to game day to determine his availability.
Meanwhile, James Sicily, the Hawks’ captain, participated in the initial part of Thursday’s training session before withdrawing to consult with senior coach Sam Mitchell and high-performance manager Peter Burge. Sicily, who recently dislocated his shoulder for the second time in two months during a game at Optus Stadium, managed to finish the match but subsequently observed training from the sidelines.
The Hawks will closely monitor Ginnivan and Sicily’s conditions in the lead-up to Saturday’s crucial match against Geelong, aiming to finalize their lineup amidst these injury concerns.
Calsher Dear, who celebrated a goal during the round eight match between Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on May 5, 2024, was sidelined from training on Tuesday due to soreness. The 18-year-old has played continuously since his debut against the Western Bulldogs earlier in the season.
Key forward Mitch Lewis is poised to make his AFL return for the first time since the Hawks faced Geelong on Easter Monday, a game delayed due to severe weather during the fourth quarter. Lewis recently played two VFL matches, including a standout performance where he kicked two goals for Box Hill.
“He just needs to get through training today,” coach Mitchell remarked. “He is nearing readiness. Despite challenging conditions for a key forward at Box Hill, I was pleased with his effort and competitiveness.”
Veteran small forward Luke Breust will rejoin the squad after being rested for the trip to Western Australia. Breust had served as the substitute in six games leading up to the bye.
Hawthorn’s upcoming match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium marks only their third visit since 2006, with one game held behind closed doors in 2020. Adjustments to their training grounds this week reflect the narrower dimensions of Kardinia Park, a departure from the broader field widths of other venues like the MCG and Marvel Stadium.
Despite a strong recent performance record with seven wins in their last eight games, bringing them just half a game outside the top eight at 8-7, Coach Mitchell remains cautious about playoff aspirations heading into round 17.