A final round tune up before September against a fellow foe is what the doctor ordered for the Animals as Hawthorn visit Bennettswood Reserve for a second time in 2023.
The Reserves face a near must-win clash, with Hawthorn one game behind Wattle Park in the chase for a double chance.
It’s only fitting that big name returns of Nic Glanville and Riley Thompson at either end of the field feature in the side for the final game of the home and away season.
Both Glanville and Thompson were major factors in the Reserves run to the Grand Final in 2022, and will once again be key in their respective ends.
Jem Sibley returns to the side as well on the wing after a spell in the Senior side for the second time this season, sure to make use of the experience to help the twos in their quest to regain the flag.
Ben Severin is the fourth inclusion in the ruck. ‘Bones’ another cornerstone of last years Grand Final charge, and will look to give a stellar midfield lots of first use footy throughout the day.
For the Seniors, whilst no ladder positions can change this weekend, a win could potentially set up an Elimination Final rematch the following week.
The return of star forward Nathan Bird from a two week break is a welcome addition to the Animals forward line. Bird leads the goalkicking race by five goals over incumbent Matt Hill and will look to keep him from securing a second straight Dave Robin Memorial Trophy.
Kieran Mair’s return to the starting side allows a spot for last year’s Reserves Grand FInal captain Sean Howard to make his return to the bench. Howard’s return is a timely one and adds a different dimension to an already dynamic Animals Senior side.
Mitch Lamb also secures a promotion to the senior side, replacing Jem Sibley.
