ID :
207356
Thu, 09/15/2011 - 13:48
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/207356
The shortlink copeid
Hawks recall Stratton for Swans AFL semi
SYDNEY (AAP) - Hawthorn's determination to bolster their defence has led to the inclusion of young backman Ben Stratton for their AFL semi-final.
The selection of Stratton is a gamble for the Hawks who face Sydney in Friday night's clash at the MCG.
Stratton, 22, made a senior comeback a fortnight ago in a "dead-rubber" game against Gold Coast in round 24 after suffering a serious knee injury in round three.
The 189cm Stratton was given another run at VFL reserves level last week.
Hawthorn's defence was cut to shreds by Geelong's marking power in their qualifying final last Friday night.
Hawthorn also named star forward Lance Franklin, despite a massive doubt over the Coleman Medallist's fitness after he suffered bone bruising to his knee in the clash with the Cats.
However the 196cm Jordan Lisle, who is one of Hawthorn's three emergencies, is likely to come into the side if Franklin is a last-minute withdrawal for the clash against Sydney.
The Hawks made only one change from last week's losing side, dropping small forward Luke Breust for Stratton.
Sydney are unchanged as they look to celebrate co-captain Adam Goodes' 300-game milestone.
Gary Rohan (knee) and Dan Hannebery (shoulder) have been passed fit to play after suffering injuries in Sydney's elimination-final win over St Kilda last week.
West Coast regain former All-Australian Daniel Kerr after the courageous rover overcame a back injury which has kept him out for three matches.
Kerr was also named in last week's side for the qualifying final against Collingwood but was a late withdrawal.
Brad Ebert has been dropped to make way for the 28-year-old onballer.
West Coast's champion ruckman Dean Cox, who was subbed out of last week's game in the third term with a back spasm, has also been named in the side.
The Eagles host Carlton in their knockout semi-final at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.
The Blues have recalled Zac Tuohy for small forward Bryce Gibbs, who kicked three goals last week against Essendon but suffered a shoulder injury in the final term.
The selection of Stratton is a gamble for the Hawks who face Sydney in Friday night's clash at the MCG.
Stratton, 22, made a senior comeback a fortnight ago in a "dead-rubber" game against Gold Coast in round 24 after suffering a serious knee injury in round three.
The 189cm Stratton was given another run at VFL reserves level last week.
Hawthorn's defence was cut to shreds by Geelong's marking power in their qualifying final last Friday night.
Hawthorn also named star forward Lance Franklin, despite a massive doubt over the Coleman Medallist's fitness after he suffered bone bruising to his knee in the clash with the Cats.
However the 196cm Jordan Lisle, who is one of Hawthorn's three emergencies, is likely to come into the side if Franklin is a last-minute withdrawal for the clash against Sydney.
The Hawks made only one change from last week's losing side, dropping small forward Luke Breust for Stratton.
Sydney are unchanged as they look to celebrate co-captain Adam Goodes' 300-game milestone.
Gary Rohan (knee) and Dan Hannebery (shoulder) have been passed fit to play after suffering injuries in Sydney's elimination-final win over St Kilda last week.
West Coast regain former All-Australian Daniel Kerr after the courageous rover overcame a back injury which has kept him out for three matches.
Kerr was also named in last week's side for the qualifying final against Collingwood but was a late withdrawal.
Brad Ebert has been dropped to make way for the 28-year-old onballer.
West Coast's champion ruckman Dean Cox, who was subbed out of last week's game in the third term with a back spasm, has also been named in the side.
The Eagles host Carlton in their knockout semi-final at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.
The Blues have recalled Zac Tuohy for small forward Bryce Gibbs, who kicked three goals last week against Essendon but suffered a shoulder injury in the final term.
