David Mirra, Ryan Schoenmakers and Taylor Duryea are in the mix to replace Ben Stratton
HAWTHORN will make some running repairs to its defence for Friday night’s do-or-die clash against Melbourne, with Alastair Clarkson set to decide between three possible inclusions. Meanwhile, Brad Sheppard’s season is over.
Hawthorn
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HAWTHORN will make some running repairs to its defence for Friday night’s do-or-die clash against Melbourne at the MCG.
Gun defender Ben Stratton will miss with a hamstring injury, but the Hawks remain optimistic he will be available to play the preliminary final the following week if they win through.
Meanwhile, West Coast defender Brad Sheppard has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after a hamstring injury against Collingwood.
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Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson will look to call-up either David Mirra, Ryan Schoenmakers or Taylor Duryea to replace Stratton for Friday night’s semi-final.
Schoenmakers was a late withdrawal for Thursday night’s loss to Richmond to make way for defensive midfielder Dan Howe.
Mirra, Schoenmakers and Duryea did not play in Box Hill’s match in the VFL on Sunday to help keep the trio fresh.
A despondent Stratton limped to the bench late in the loss to Richmond, fearing his finals series was over.
But scans have shown the injury is only minor, allowing hope of a quicker-than-expected comeback.
While hamstring injuries usually take 21 days to recover, the Hawks are hopeful he can complete a successful rehabilitation program within 16 days.
Hawthorn is slated to take on West Coast in Perth for the preliminary final on Saturday September, 22, if they topple the dangerous Demons.
Tough defender Blake Hardwick also copped a knock to the hip in Thursday night’s loss to Richmond and sat out the bulk of the last quarter.
Hardwick likely faces a light week on the track to recover time for the Melbourne game.
Ace playmaker Jack Gunston is also battling soreness. Gunston was also seen hobbling in the rooms after the match with an ice pack on his left quad.
Injured Eagle Sheppard strained his left hamstring in the opening quarter against the Magpies.
Scans on Monday confirmed it would be an eight to 12 week recovery period.
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Originally published as David Mirra, Ryan Schoenmakers and Taylor Duryea are in the mix to replace Ben Stratton