Suckling's replacement

[Sydney14]

Spangher could fill the void, forward bench option?

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2013-03-26/hawks-not-dwelling-on-suckling-loss.workstation

HAWTHORN Vice-Captain Jordan Lewis says the playing group isn’t dwelling on the loss of Matt Suckling, but rather looking forward to unearthing another player who can fill the role.

Suckling ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in week three of the NAB Cup and underwent a traditional knee reconstruction on Monday.

While the surgery was a success and the rehabilitation process begins for the talented left footer, Coach Alastair Clarkson needs to find a player to fill the vacated role.

Lewis says the loss of Suckling is difficult to swallow, there’s no point in getting caught up in the emotion.

“It’s always hard to see your good players go down but it’s like losing a game in a way, you can’t dwell on it,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“We know he’s not coming back this season so there’s no point sooking over it and thinking what could have been or what couldn’t have been.

“We just hope there’s another player waiting in the wings that can step up and fill his position.”

The Hawks Vice-Captain says he’s been impressed with Suckling’s attitude since suffering the injury and expects the defender to take on a match-day role when his rehabilitation is underway.

“His attitude has been really great, he’s remained positive and was even positive after he did it,” he said.

“He had the attitude that there’s nothing he can do about it now.

“He’ll be very supportive of the group this year and hopefully be involved in some aspect on game day and offer his opinion because he’s played a fair amount of football.

“He’ll certainly be missed but hopefully someone steps up.”

A player who could find his way into the Hawthorn side for the Round 1 Easter Monday blockbuster against Geelong is utility, Matt Spangher.

The Hawks recruit enjoyed an impressive pre-season on the training track and, performed consistently well in each of Hawthorn’s four practice matches leading into the opening round of the season.

A defender who is capable of playing up forward, Spangher has provided the Hawks with a versatility that could prove beneficial when taking on a powerful Geelong side on Monday.

Captain Luke Hodge believes Spangher could step in and perform a role for the Hawks and has been impressed with the way he’s fitted into his new club.

“He stepped straight into the group really well and he’s actually known a few of the boys from New South Wales and he’s a Colac boy, so I’ve known him for a number of years as well,” Hodge said.

“He’s done everything that’s been asked of him, he’s played in all the games, he’s certainly putting his hand up for Round 1.”

Hodge also named youngsters Bradley Hill and Jed Anderson as two players who could potentially fill a role in the side in 2013.

“We’ve got a lot of good depth coming through, Bradley Hill has played a few good games in the pre-season,” he said.

“Jed Anderson too, he’s only a small fella but he goes in and gets his own ball and he works hard, which is great.”

[Ricochet]

Seriously considering him. Being a Monday game, will we know the final teams before lockout?

[Sydney14]

Seriously considering him. Being a Monday game, will we know the final teams before lockout?

I'd assume the teams would be released Friday with an extended bench and the final 22 on Saturday, but with the rolling lockout in SC I dont think it will matter too much unless a player from another team you are considering instead plays before the monday teams are out. 

[tor01doc]

Clinton Young.  ::)

[Sydney14]

Clinton Young.  ::)

???

[Ricochet]

Clinton Young.  ::)

???

tor01doc is saying he could have played Suckling's role if they didn't let him go

[Sydney14]

Clinton Young.  ::)

???

tor01doc is saying he could have played Suckling's role if they didn't let him go

ah I see  :)

[colmullet]

would be a nice relief for the forward rookie conundrum if Spangher was given the spot

[quinny88]

Can't believe I'm considering Spangher in my team  :-[ the forward rookies of 2012 are a joke

[Griffo1982]

Can't believe I'm considering Spangher in my team  :-[ the forward rookies of 2012 are a joke

+1

[tor01doc]

Clinton Young.  ::)

???

tor01doc is saying he could have played Suckling's role if they didn't let him go

ah I see  :)

Yes. Rick speaks my language.

[Rusty00]

Clinton Young.  ::)

???

tor01doc is saying he could have played Suckling's role if they didn't let him go

Being picky, however the hawks didn't "let him go".  ;)

I actually think Burgoyne will spend a bit of time in Suckling's roles as the "sweeper"

[ClarksonsArmy]

Hodge will come back and play Sucklings role people forget he missed majority of last year...

[tom_scully]

Suckling is 187cm and 86kg with flawless kicking skills.

Spangher is 195 and 96kgs and can't make good decisions under pressure.

He is a depth player who won't get a game unless a KPP goes down.

[Sabretooth Tigers]

 ???
       Would Brad Hill be capable of playing Suckling's role  ?  ?
   :-\