Skipper named to fill Hawks' ruck hole

Hawthorn have recalled former Western Bulldogs fringe player Wayde Skipper for their
final AFL practice match as they seek to solve their ruck woes.

Skipper, who will have to be elevated from the rookie list if he is to play in the
home and away season, is part of the Hawks' 26-man squad to play a virtual
full-strength Brisbane in Southport on Friday.
The Lions included veteran midfielder Luke Power for the first time in the
pre-season, after his recovery from a groin injury.
Fellow midfield star Simon Black and defensive playmaker Josh Drummond will also
play their first games for the year, after being scheduled to play in last weekend's
cancelled clash with Geelong.
While the Lions were able to name their stars, the Hawks will be missing several big
names.
Shaun Burgoyne, Cyril Rioli and Clinton Young remain sidelined by injury, while No.1
ruckman Simon Taylor and tough midfielder Brad Sewell were badly injured in the
Hawks' practice match against North Melbourne last weekend.
They will also rest running defender Grant Birchall.
Taylor's absence for the next four months with a broken leg, combined with the
long-term knee injury to young ruck prospect Max Bailey have given Skipper the
chance to push for a spot partnering Brent Renouf.
Sydney gave a strong indication draftees Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan are in the frame
for opening round selection, by naming them in their 24-man squad for Friday's
practice match against North Melbourne in Narrandera.
Injured full-forward recruit Daniel Bradshaw was the one big name missing from the
squad, which included AFL-experienced recruits Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn, Mark Seaby
and Shane Mumford.
The Kangaroos also named a squad close to full strength, although midfielder Ed
Lower was forced out after breaking his leg last weekend.
Adelaide regained key defender Nathan Bock and ruckman Ivan Maric from injury for
Friday's practice match against Carlton in Melbourne.
Midfielder Scott Thompson will be rested while veteran Andrew McLeod will sit out
the game with back soreness.
Blues stars Bryce Gibbs, Matthew Kreuzer, Brock McLean and Bret Thornton returned to
a strong Carlton squad.



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