Hawks Weigh Mitch Lewis Recall, Chad Wingard on Track for VFL Return
Last updated on June 25, 2024 at 09:43 am
Posted on June 25, 2024 at 10:43 am
Hawthorn is deciding whether to bring forward Mitch Lewis back into the AFL team for their upcoming trip to Perth or have him play another game for Box Hill in the VFL. Meanwhile, Chad Wingard is set to resume his season this weekend.
Mitch Lewis' Potential AFL Return
Mitch Lewis has been out for 10 weeks due to a knee cartilage issue. He recently played half a game for Box Hill before the mid-season bye, marking his first game since Easter Monday. Hawthorn is now considering whether to let him play a full game for Box Hill against Port Melbourne on Saturday or recall him for the AFL match against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Lewis’ Recent Game: Played half a VFL game before the mid-season bye.
Recovery: He recovered well after missing 10 weeks.
Decision Point: Whether to give him more game time in the VFL or bring him back to the AFL.
Chad Wingard's VFL Comeback
Chad Wingard, who has been sidelined with calf tightness, is on track to return to the VFL this weekend. The 30-year-old hasn’t played at the AFL level since rupturing his Achilles in Round 22 last year. He is also aiming for a contract extension for 2025.
Wingard’s Condition: Recovering from calf tightness.
Last AFL Game: Round 22, last year.
Goal: To secure a contract extension for 2025.
Other Player Updates
Ethan Phillips: Expected to play in the VFL this weekend after a recent knee arthroscopy.
Ned Reeves: Ruckman needs to prove his fitness later in the week due to a back issue.
Will McCabe: Still a week away from playing in the VFL for the first time since being drafted at pick No.19 last November. He has been sidelined with bone stress in his lower back since January.
Hawthorn’s Current Standings
Hawthorn is currently 13th on the ladder after 15 rounds, just a game outside the top eight following four straight wins before the bye. They haven’t beaten West Coast or Fremantle at Optus Stadium since 2019 but have the opportunity to draw level with teams inside the eight if they win on Sunday.
Ladder Position: 13th after 15 rounds.
Recent Form: Four straight wins ahead of the bye.
Upcoming Game: Against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Hawthorn’s decisions regarding player recalls and returns will be crucial as they aim to push into the top eight.
