HAWK HOPES RISING
Will power to give forward line the spark it lacked last week
HAWTHORN is banking on Will Langford to give its forward line power and spark in its clash with St Kilda at UTas Stadium tonight — the ingredients the Hawks lacked last week.
On the rebound from their surprise 28-point loss to North Melbourne, the Hawks also regained 343-game veteran Shaun Burgoyne and will blood exciting teenage onballer James Worpel. But it is “Will power” that assistant coach Brett Ratten is looking forward to most in the absence of renowned goal-shooters Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo.
“He will play that forward/midfield role and we know Will is hard at it, he’s got explosive pace and power, so we expect him to bring some of that to the game,” Ratten said.
“That’s one thing we’re looking to add, a bit more power.
“That’s what you think when you think of ‘Poppy’ [Puopolo] and Cyril [Rioli] and how zippy and powerful they are — and there’s no doubt Will will bring some of that.”
Burgoyne is welcomed back after a three-week break for a hamstring strain that ended his run of 107 consecutive games.
“His form was so good before he got injured — his ball-winning ability and composure with the footy,” Ratten said.
“Last week it was something we missed in our game, so it’s important that he’s come back in.
“He’s a touch of class and he’s got great experience, good voice and leadership as well.”
Vice-captain Liam Shiels was agonisingly close, but club medicos decided not to risk his back, which he injured in the third quarter against the Kangaroos.
“It was touch and go. There was a bit of a risk there and we didn’t take it,” Ratten said. Worpel is a straight swap for Shiels. “He’s a strong insider who can win his own footy,” Ratten said.
“He brings a bit of grunt and power in his game and he’s hard to tackle because of the way he plays and how strong he is.
“He’s impressed at VFL level and deserves his chance.”