STAR HAWK TO MISS AS HE MOURNS DAD
STAR forward Jack Gunston will miss Hawthorn’s clash with Adelaide on Sunday as he mourns the sudden death of his father and former AFL executive Ray.
There is also mixed news on the injury front for the Hawks, who regain skipper Ben McEvoy from a neck fracture but ruled out James Worpel (shoulder) and Lachie Bramble (bone stress in back) for the season.
Gunston and Hawthorn made a mutual decision that he would sit out the match as he focuses on his family and preparing for his father’s funeral next week after he died on Tuesday morning from a heart attack. Coach Sam Mitchell said it was a “really difficult time” but that Gunston’s teammates and coaches would support him in whatever way necessary. “We’ve spoken to Jack and a few of the players went and visited him but it’s a really difficult (one) … how do you want to be treated in such a situation?” Mitchell said.
“I think the most important thing is he knows that he’s got the full support of our football program, our football club and our bigger, wider community.
“It’s a really important time to be with your family (including) Mandy, his mum, and Kate, his sister. They’re all going through it together and it’s just such a horrible, out-of-nowhere situation for them.
“The Gunston family has been such a big part of Hawthorn for such a long time.
“We had our Mother’s Day function not long ago and Mandy was talking about how Ray was really Jack’s rock ... so it’s a difficult time but he needs to be with his family.”
McEvoy last played in round 2 after injuring his neck in a training incident the following week but avoided surgery and finished an extensive rehabilitation program.
Mitchell said McEvoy’s game time would not be limited and there was no thought of him resuming in the VFL.
“It’s brilliant to see. I think everyone walks a little bit taller when he’s out there,” he said.
“There’s this great feeling, not just because it’s Ben McEvoy and he’s back and he’s the captain of the club, but also what we’ve seen him go through.”