Skipper named to fill Hawks' ruck hole - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Skipper named to fill Hawks' ruck hole

By Sam Lienert 10/03/2010 08:35:10 PM Comments (0)

Hawthorn have recalled former Western Bulldogs fringe player Wayde Skipper for their final AFL practice match as they seek to solve their ruck woes.

Skipper, who will have to be elevated from the rookie list if he is to play in the home and away season, is part of the Hawks' 26-man squad to play a virtual full-strength Brisbane in Southport on Friday.

The Lions included veteran midfielder Luke Power for the first time in the pre-season, after his recovery from a groin injury.

Fellow midfield star Simon Black and defensive playmaker Josh Drummond will also play their first games for the year, after being scheduled to play in last weekend's cancelled clash with Geelong.

While the Lions were able to name their stars, the Hawks will be missing several big names.

Shaun Burgoyne, Cyril Rioli and Clinton Young remain sidelined by injury, while No.1 ruckman Simon Taylor and tough midfielder Brad Sewell were badly injured in the Hawks' practice match against North Melbourne last weekend.

They will also rest running defender Grant Birchall.

Taylor's absence for the next four months with a broken leg, combined with the long-term knee injury to young ruck prospect Max Bailey have given Skipper the chance to push for a spot partnering Brent Renouf.

Sydney gave a strong indication draftees Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan are in the frame for opening round selection, by naming them in their 24-man squad for Friday's practice match against North Melbourne in Narrandera.

Injured full-forward recruit Daniel Bradshaw was the one big name missing from the squad, which included AFL-experienced recruits Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn, Mark Seaby and Shane Mumford.

The Kangaroos also named a squad close to full strength, although midfielder Ed Lower was forced out after breaking his leg last weekend.

Adelaide regained key defender Nathan Bock and ruckman Ivan Maric from injury for Friday's practice match against Carlton in Melbourne.

Midfielder Scott Thompson will be rested while veteran Andrew McLeod will sit out the game with back soreness.

Blues stars Bryce Gibbs, Matthew Kreuzer, Brock McLean and Bret Thornton returned to a strong Carlton squad.

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