Big trio back for Hawks
Nineteen rounds in but perhaps one week too late, Hawthorn has finally named its four big forwards for Saturday night's must-win AFL game against Sydney at the SCG.
The Hawks have taken a calculated risk by recalling Peter Everitt, John Barker and Nick Holland for the virtual-elimination final despite the trio being underdone through injury.
The big three all trained and will join Nathan Thompson in the side - the first time this season coach Peter Schwab has been able to play the quartet together.
Everitt and Holland, who have missed the past six and three games respectively through hamstring troubles, trained well and are certain starters.
Barker, who has missed the past three games through a calf problem, was limited to kicking work and is still in some slight doubt.
But the Hawks, who must win all of their remaining games and hope other results fall their away to reach the finals, are prepared to take the gamble.
"It is a bit of a risk because they've missed a lot of footy but we may as well (play them)," Schwab said.
"The only question mark is bringing three guys in who haven't played much footy in the last five or six weeks, so that's the only problem."
One of Everitt, Barker or Holland could have made a huge difference last week when the Hawks went down by four points to ladder-leader Port Adelaide.
Schwab said the team was in a "pretty good mood" despite the heart-breaking loss and believed his side could still reach the finals.
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