HAWTHORN could regain defenders Brian Lake and Ben Sratton for the Easter Monday blockbuster against Geelong after both were named in an extended squad on Thursday night.
Both Lake and Stratton haven’t played yet this season, with the former out with suspension and injury and the latter injuring his hamstring on the eve of Round 1.
But the premiership pair could bolster the undersized Hawthorn defence on Easter Monday and would be a welcome addition given the Cats boast a number of tall options including Tom Hawkins.
Lake and Stratton are joined by Ben McEvoy as possible inclusions, with the former St Kilda ruckman finally overcoming a calf complaint that saw him miss the last two matches.
Impressive youngster Jed Anderson has also been named on the extended interchange after overcoming a shoulder injury sustained in Round 1 of the VFL season.
Mitch Hallahan is also in line to make his senior debut after another impressive 25 disposal and three goal game for Box Hill last Sunday.
Last year’s VFL J.J Liston Trophy winner has been an emergency for the Hawks the last two weeks but could get his chance on Monday.
Liam Shiels (shoulder) and Matt Spangher (ankle) are the only two confirmed outs on Thursday night after suffering injuries in the 99-point win over Gold Coast last Saturday night.
The Hawks will trim the 25-man squad to 22 on Saturday and will be announced on hawthornfc.com.au at 4.30pm.
Monday’s match is a fully ticketed game with no general admission access. View full ticketing details here.
Round 5
Geelong v Hawthorn
Monday 21 April
MCG, 3.20pm
B: Cheney Gibson Stratton
HB: Suckling Hodge Birchall
C: Hill Mitchell Smith
HF: Simpkin Gunston Rioli
F: Breust Roughead Puopolo
FOLL: Hale Lewis Burgoyne
I/C from: Hallahan Duryea Langford McEvoy Ceglar Lake Anderson
In: B.Lake , B.McEvoy , B.Stratton , M.Hallahan , J.Anderson
Out: M.Spangher (Ankle) , L.Shiels (Shoulder)
