Hawthorn’s ruck situation is a recurring selection headache for Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.
But it’s a difficult decision the two-time premiership mentor is pleased he has to make every week.
Veteran ruckman David Hale returned in Sunday’s 62-point win over Western Bulldogs in Launceston, playing alongside prized recruit Ben McEvoy.
Jonathon Ceglar was dropped for Hale after a quiet showing against Sydney, although he had been in tremendous form prior and was one of the Hawks’ best in their previous trip to Aurora Stadium.
Hale, McEvoy and Ceglar would get a game at most clubs.
But squeezing the three big men into the Hawks’ 22 has been a big ask.
The only time it happened this season was round 10, when Port Adelaide posted a 14-point win.
“We’ve chosen at this point of time not to play all three of them in the one side. That’s likely to continue but it may not either,” Clarkson said on Sunday.
“Lukey Lowden at Box Hill is also ready to play some senior footy, but because those other three guys are all fit and playing some good football (he can’t get a game).
“It’s tough.”
Clarkson noted he was “pleased to have that selection quandary each week”.
“Especially for a side like ours that hasn’t been overly blessed with a lot of big men, particularly rucks,” he added.
Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson tallied 34 hitouts against Hale and McEvoy, but the Hawks duo worked hard around the ground and each kicked a goal.
“They did OK. I think they shared about 30 touches between themselves,” Clarkson said of Hale and McEvoy’s partnership.
“Without dominating the game, they performed pretty well.”