Buzza in wings for Hawkins

WYLIE Buzza’s AFL debut might come earlier than expected if Tom Hawkins is handed a ban today by the AFL match review panel for striking Adelaide’s Matt Crouch.

Neither Rhys Stanley nor Aaron Black had an impact in yesterday’s VFL loss to Williamstown, leaving Buzza the likely replacement for Hawkins should the Cats be seeking to fill the void with another tall.

VFL coach Shane O’Bree said the 21-year-old should be in the mix for a debut.

“You’d hope so — Buzza’s had a really good start to the season,” O’Bree said.

“One thing he does bring is he’s bloody competitive in the contest, he embraces the contest and he’s improved a hell of a lot. He can go into the ruck if you need and he’s definitely put his hand up if an opportunity opens up this week or in the weeks to come.”

George Horlin-Smith remains a mid-sized option should the Cats decide to field a smaller forward line against West Coast in a fortnight, as do Jordan Cunico and Mark O’Connor.

Hawkins does not believe he should be suspended, a view shared by coach Chris Scott, making the incident a test case for the AFL’s crackdown on jumper punches.

Scott flagged last week he would be tempted to throw Buzza into the deep end for an AFL debut soon.

“It wouldn’t be out of the realms of possibility Wylie Buzza will just play so well that he’ll force his way into the team at some stage this year,” Scott said.

While he was no standout in Geelong’s disappointing loss to Williamstown yesterday, the ruck/forward showed glimpses of what he is capable of. He kicked the game’s opening goal and also took a number of strong contested marks around the ground.

Buzza’s tackling and ruckwork also featured prominently, as it has done earlier this season. He produced one of his best efforts a fortnight ago with two goals and 18 disposals against Footscray.

“Buzza’s come a long way in the 18 months he’s been at our club,” O’Bree said.

“He’s a very smart footballer, he understands the way we want to play, he’s very driven and he’s becoming a leader as well with a lot of presence.”

Geelong’s VFL side has a bye this weekend.