This week it was Hawthorn’s prized off-season recruit Ben McEvoy missing out, next Thursday it could be one of the AFL club’s in-form young guns making way for Sam Mitchell.
After an injury-riddled start to the season, the reigning premiers are starting to create some serious competition for spots in their best 22.
“That’s what you want. In elite teams, that pressure is what you embrace,” Hawks stand-in coach Brendon Bolton said.
“You don’t worry about it – players understand.
“Hopefully we don’t have any more injuries and that pressure is maintained.”
McEvoy, playing his second VFL match after recovering from a hamstring injury, booted five goals, and tallied 25 hitouts, 16 disposals and seven tackles in a best-on-ground performance.
It wasn’t enough to earn a recall for Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast in Launceston, with Bolton preferring lower-profile incumbent Jonathon Ceglar in a “line-ball decision”.
“He’s an ultimate professional. He’s determined to improve,” Bolton said of how McEvoy took the news.
Star midfielder Mitchell is progressing well from the serious hamstring injury he suffered on May 3 and could return next Friday night against North Melbourne.
“He’s trained really well in the last few weeks. I’m hoping maybe next week, or the week after,” Bolton said.
Alastair Clarkson’s return to the coaches’ box also appears imminent.
Bolton said he had been told “nothing definitive” when asked whether the match against the Suns could be his last at the helm.
“It just depends on what the medicos say,” he said.
“He’s showing progress and been around the club a little bit more (this week), so it’ll be sooner rather than later.”
The long-term absence of Mitchell, Clarkson and key defender Josh Gibson (pectoral) has failed to send the second-placed Hawks tumbling down the ladder.
Hawthorn will be aiming for a fifth straight victory when they host the Suns, with Bolton expecting a far closer encounter than their 99-point win on the Gold Coast in round four.
“We know it’s going to be a different and determined outfit,” he said, pointing to the fact Harley Bennell and Charlie Dixon didn’t play in round four.
“They’re moving the ball more efficiently and their pressure around stoppages is better.”
