With just 20 days remaining until Round 1, Hawthorn Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd has provided an update on the injury status of a number of key Hawks.
Blake Hardwick: Chest – 12 weeks
“Unfortunately, Dimma collided with another player in a contest in our most recent game against the Saints and he has ruptured his pectoral muscle. He requires surgery and that will likely be a 12-week injury.” LB
Tom Mitchell: Leg - indefinite
“Tom played the intraclub with us and then played the following week against St Kilda where he got three quarters of footy in, which was great. Given he hadn’t played footy for 12 months, we thought it was best for him to have a week off and absorb the game load. He will look to play a full game this week. He is going well.” LB
Jarman Impey: ACL - indefinite
“Jars is in a running conditioning mode now rather than loading, so he is running to get fit as opposed to just loading the knee joint. He is tracking along nicely but obviously still a reasonable way away from ballwork but he has started some change of direction. We’ve been happy with how Jars is going.” LB
Ben McEvoy: Corked thigh - test
“Big Boy sustained a cork in the first minute of our first game against the Saints. He has recovered quite well. At the time, he was very sore and he wasn’t able to play on but he’s doing well now and has been back into the program. He is back into skills this week and he should be available for selection this week.” LB
Dan Howe: Foot - indefinite
“Howie is progressing slowly with his foot. He is in his second week of ballwork. We’re just gradually progressing him into over the next couple of weeks.” LB
Jack Gunston: Ankle - indefinite
“Jack started back in the ball program last week after pre-Christmas surgery on his ankle. Whether he will be ready for Round 1, we are still unsure but that will likely be determined by how the next two weeks go. We’re obviously aiming for Round 1 with Jack, but it’s not the be all and end all. We will make sure the aim for Jack is to not just be able to play Round 1, but be able to play and perform when he does return.” LB
Tim O’Brien: Eye - test
“Tim got a whack to the eye in the first quarter of the game against the Saints. He was pretty sore at the time and had a bit of trouble seeing out of that eye but that has improved over the weekend. At this stage, we think he is a reasonable chance to play this weekend.” LB
Jacob Koschitzke: Shoulder – 4 weeks
“Jacob injured his AC joint in the intraclub three weeks ago. The injury required surgery, so he was operated on two weeks ago. He has just had the all-clear to start getting moving again. His wounds have all healed and he is ready to start doing some physical activity. We probably expect him to be on the sidelines for another four weeks.” LB
Josh Morris: Knee – 5-6 weeks
“Josh had a meniscal injury in his knee just after Christmas. He has been running on the alter-G for the past two weeks. Given he is a young player in our system, we are not going to rush him back so at this stage we’re probably looking at another five to six weeks until he returns to play.” LB
Dylan Moore: Hip and groin - test
“He had some hip and groin injuries towards the back end of last year and throughout December and January. He has been back in the skills program since Christmas and in full skills for three weeks now. We’re looking at introducing some gameplay for him this week.” LB
