Hawthorn’s key forward Mitch Lewis is set to sit out his fifth consecutive game this weekend, though the Hawks may welcome back small forwards Nick Watson and Luke Breust for their clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Lewis was a late withdrawal before Sunday’s match against Sydney at the MCG, despite being given the green light to play on Friday before experiencing soreness on Saturday.
Following a scan on Monday, which revealed no structural damage to his knee, the club has decided to ease Lewis’s training workload over the next week to address his joint pain.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since straining his hamstring on Easter Monday, adding to his frustrating injury woes at the start of the 2024 season.
Hawthorn will monitor Lewis’s progress next week, but his availability for the game against St Kilda in Launceston remains uncertain.
Additionally, Sam Mitchell’s side will be without Lewis and Mabior Chol, who received a one-game suspension for striking Sydney’s Errol Gulden on Sunday.
Watson has been sidelined for the past month with a syndesmosis injury sustained in round three against the Cats. The 2023 pick No.5 will undergo fitness tests this week, showing positive signs of an early return.
Similarly, Breust has missed the last four games due to a persistent groin issue. The club is optimistic about his recovery and hopeful that the two-time All-Australian will be available for selection.
Massimo D’Ambrosio, who was managed in the previous game against the Swans, is expected to return. The former Bomber has impressed since joining Hawthorn, ranking as the No.3 wingman according to Champion Data after seven rounds.
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