Skipper takes aim for Hawks debut
Posted by Brent DiamondMay 9. 2010 8:32 pm
BOX Hill Hawks coach Brendon Bolton said it was likely Wayde Skipper’s name will be talked about at team selection for Sunday’s clash against Richmond – despite nursing him through a half of football yesterday.
“We had very limited game time for him,” Bolton said.
“As you know there’s not many talls at Hawthorn at the moment so we’re looking after him.”
“We could’ve played him longer today…I think he’s got a fair bit left in the tank than what we let go today,” he said.
Skipper, a former Bulldog, said he was looking forward to playing his first AFL match since round 22, 2008.
“I’d definitely like to be giving big Renouf a hand. He’s been battling pretty well by himself. I definitely want to get out there and help the boys,” Skipper said.
“I felt pretty good. I had good 10 minute bursts so I felt quite good there,” he said.
The 27-year-old Skipper, who has played just 45 AFL matches, will add some relief to the Hawks’ decimated ruck stocks and said he had a point to prove to his critics following his delisting from the Bulldogs last season.
“It will just be good to be back playing AFL footy again. I’ve still got the passion there to play it,” he said.
Despite trailing by seven points at the main break, the Hawks answered two massive challenges from the Bullants yesterday as they steered clear to a 26-point lead in the third term before the Bullants got within seven points in the final term.
Jayden Hoegel’s two goals from a 50 metre penalty was the pivotal moment in the final term.
Ed Curnow was again brilliant with 29 disposals, Haydn Kiel (24 touches) and Luke Breust with five majors were the stand-outs for the Hawks in their 15.10 (100) to 11.12 (78) win.
Bolton said Tom Murphy was “solid”, while classy goalsneak Cameron Stokes put his hand up for a senior recall with a dominant performance in the midfield.
In other matches, Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson was best on ground in Williamstown’s second half revival to win by 26-points over the Werribee Tigers, while Stephen Clifton’s dominant peformance led North Ballarat to an 87-point win over Frankston at Frankston Park.
By Brent Diamond
Filled under: Clubs, Hawthorn, Latest News, Lead Stories
