Changkuoth Jiath's Availability Boosts Hawthorn's Final Selection Headache
Key Player's Return:
Hawthorn midfielder Changkuoth Jiath has expressed his desire to feature in Friday night's elimination final against the Western Bulldogs. His return creates a challenging selection dilemma for coach Sam Mitchell.
Calf Concerns:
Jiath missed the final three regular season games due to calf tightness, paving the way for Harry Morrison to stake his claim. However, with star midfielder Will Day ruled out, the Hawks may require Jiath's pace in the midfield.
Injury History and Return:
After missing the first nine rounds due to hamstring and quad strains, Jiath played consistently before securing a contract extension. He made a?? return in Box Hill's elimination final loss, amassing eight touches.
Mitchell's Assessment:
Mitchell emphasized the importance of Jiath proving his fitness in the VFL before declaring him fit for the finals.
Match-Up Considerations:
Mitchell indicated that the team's selection decisions would be influenced by weather conditions, match-ups, and training performance.
Finn Maginness's Strong Form:
Finn Maginness replaced Day in round 24 and performed well, gathering 19 touches. In the VFL, he showcased his talent with 31 disposals, nine clearances, and seven tackles.
Definite Inclusions:
Mitchell revealed that 20 players had already been selected for the team, leaving three positions open for consideration.
Day's Availability Uncertain:
Will Day is still uncertain to be available next weekend if the Hawks progress. Mitchell stated that a decision on his status would be made shortly.
Lloyd Williams' Visit:
Seven-time Melbourne Cup winning owner Lloyd Williams visited Hawthorn's training session on Wednesday, highlighting the team's profile ahead of their first final since 2018.