Rivals’ praise for Soldo

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson is wary not to simply expect his in-form ruckman Ben McEvoy to dominate the centre bounce and stoppage contests against Richmond at the MCG today.

Clarkson said it would be dangerous for the Hawks to under-estimate 204cm young Tiger Ivan Soldo who has been called up to replace injured No.1 big man Toby Nankervis.

“We don’t look at them as being undermanned. That Soldo has just been waiting for the big Nank to get injured. I think this is probably the first game he has missed in the three years he has been at Richmond,” he said. “We’ve been impressed with him (Soldo) playing at VFL level. He’s a big unit and he gets his chance on Sunday. So, we’re not thinking just because Nankervis is out that we’re going to get a huge advantage in the ruck.”