Hawks’ Woodward to debut on AFL big stage

A skinny first-gamer barely 21-years-old could give Hawthorn a massive boost against Sydney on Saturday night in their AFL blockbuster at the MCG.

He might not provide the match-winning moment, but Alex Woodward’s road to debuting on the MCG is a journey respected by his Hawks’ teammates.

Woodward, taken at pick 53 in the 2011 draft, has been sidelined by major knee injuries.

Two reconstructions later and a lot of time as an AFL emergency, coach Alastair Clarkson revelled in calling his name at team selection.

“Obviously, he was stoked because he’s had to do some hard yards,” Clarkson said.

“He deserves his chance.

“It’s a great story and we’re really looking forward to what he can contribute to our side in the latter part of the year.”

Woodward watched on as fellow 2011 draftees Bradley Hill and Luke Breust picked up premiership medals last year.

Clarkson said that experience stood Woodward, listed as just 77kg, in good stead.

“We have a really healthy appreciation for guys that have to do it a little tougher,” he said.

Pointing to Sam Mitchell, who was overlooked in the 2000 draft, and 2010 mature-age draftees Paul Puopolo and Isaac Smith, Clarkson said players who had done it tougher often did better.

“It fuels that motivation to really know their place when they come into a football club,” he said.

“So often those players are really well prepared when they do get that opportunity and we hope that Alex is one of those as well.

“He’s been on our emergency list probably 10 or 12 times; he’s just kept banging on the door,” Clarkson said.

“It got to a point where irrespective of the profile of the game, we just had to pick him.”

With a Filipino mother, Woodward fittingly debuts during the AFL’s multicultural round.

The ladder-leading Swans have tied the club’s all-time winning streak of 12 victories.

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