Roo Hansen still a chance for round one

Important North Melbourne defender Lachie Hansen remains a chance to play in the Kangaroos’ AFL season opener despite a preparation hampered by hip surgery.

Hansen, 26, had both hips operated on at the end of last season and has endured a long and gruelling rehabilitation process.

He is unavailable for the Roos’ final NAB Challenge match against Richmond on Saturday, but coach Brad Scott said that he was still a possibility to play in the club’s round one clash against the Crows in Adelaide.

“He’s a terrific athlete, a really good runner, and he’s done a lot of conditioning so I wouldn’t rule him out,” Scott said on Thursday. “It’s fair to say that there are others who have had a better preparation, but if he trains fully he’s a chance to be selected. “If he’s cleared by the medicos then he’s a chance.”

The Kangaroos named a strong squad to face the Tigers in what Scott described as a dress rehearsal for round one.

Off-season signing Jarrad Waite isn’t part of that line-up, but Scott explained that was due to the former Blue’s management program and wasn’t an indication of his chances of selection for the season opener.

“Jarrad Waite and Majak Daw have both played two games,” he said. “I’ve mentioned before that we’re trying to shuffle our forward line a little bit to just work out the best mix. “Hopefully we’ll have all the information we need to make an informed decision come round one.”

The AFL will trial a partially opened roof at Etihad Stadium during Saturday’s match as the league attempts to counter the problem of sun glare and deep shade over parts of the ground.Scott famously ripped into officials two years ago when Geelong came storming back to beat his side as rain poured through the open roof.

He couldn’t suppress a smile when asked about the initiative.

“The NAB Challenge is the perfect time to trial these things,” he said.

“A roof slightly open? Whatever makes the game a better spectacle for the fans, whatever makes it better for the broadcasters is a good thing.

“If it rains you won’t get one single complaint from me.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!