ALASTAIR Clarkson says the possible return of Ryan Schoenmakers is a ‘real bonus’ for Hawthorn ahead of another finals campaign.
Speaking to the media before flying to Perth for tomorrow night’s game against West Coast, Clarkson said Schoenmakers still had some boxes to tick, but was getting closer to an AFL return – having not played at AFL level since Round 3.
“We’re hoping (Schoenmakers) can be a player we can select throughout the finals or even next week if goes okay – he’s had a lot of time out of the game but it’s a real bonus (to have him back playing),” Clarkson said.
“We thought his season might be gone but he’s progressed really well in the last six or eight weeks.
“He’s got some boxes to tick in terms of getting through another VFL game this week but he’s been training well and we’ve got great faith in what he can do.”
With Schoenmakers and Jarryd Roughead both missing from Hawthorn’s side this season, young players have stepped up to fill the void.
“With Roughead out of the side for the season and ‘Schoey’ missing the bulk of the season – they’re our centre half forward and full forward from our premiership side last year,” Clarkson said.
“Sicily, Burton and O’Brien have had to fill those (key forward) roles for us for the bulk of this year and they’ve done it pretty well.”
“They’ve been inconsistent from time to time but they’ve also really pleased us with some of their progress too.”
The four-time premiership coach said travelling interstate was never an easy task, but was confident Hawthorn’s best football would hold them in good stead against the Eagles.
“Well they’re all pretty tough, the interstate games. It’s tough for (interstate teams) to come to Melbourne and win as well,” he said.
“Good sides get it done on the road and we’re hoping to do that, but they’re a pretty formidable side on their home deck – a different-shaped sort of oval and they play that ground particularly well.
“It’s a tough ask but we’ve done it before and we’re hoping to do it again.”
The Hawks will name their side for tomorrow’s game tonight at 6.25pm AEST.
