Cameron Stokes will play in the blockbuster clash against Geelong
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HAWTHORN football manager Mark Evans has praised young forward Cameron Stokes, whose performances in the VFL have earned him a place in the senior side for this Friday night's blockbuster clash against the Cats at the MCG.
"He's had a couple of terrific games at Box Hill including last week where he and Beau Dowler were in the best, so it's good to see them pushing their way into the team," Evans said.
While Dowler is listed as an emergency, Jarryd Morton is omitted making way for Stokes.
However the third-placed Hawks, who suffered defeat at the hands of the Saints last week, are still without midfield veteran Shane Crawford due to knee tendonitis. The Brownlow Medalist has been unavailable for selection for six weeks this season (including one of which he was suspended) due to the complaint. Crawford missed last weekend’s crucial clash with St. Kilda.
“He trained strongly on Tuesday but we decided that playing three days after he had trained strongly wouldn’t be the time to play him. If he keeps progressing the way he is, he would play in next week’s match,” Evans said.
Former Power player Stuart Dew and Ben McGlynn don’t feature in the 22. The pair is available for selection but have been completing extensive training for the past few weeks.
“They’ll be pressing their case for selection over the next week or two… it will just depend on the form of the team.”
Evans listed Tim Clarke (emergency) and Zac Dawson as other players pushing for senior selection in the VFL but said that Tim Boyle had still not recovered from a groin injury he sustained in action for Box Hill.
“He’s progressing slowly. We would have hoped he’d be back playing by now. He’s been impressive running in straight lines but he still has a bit of work to do to get back to full fitness.”
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