Jai Newcombe Gets Through Hawthorn Run Before Fremantle Clash
jai newcombe got through Hawthorn’s captain’s run at Optus Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, easing the main fitness worry for a second-against-third clash with Fremantle. He and co-captain James Sicily had both been managed earlier in the week, but both were named to play and finished the session.
Optus Stadium Load-Up
Hawthorn’s captain’s run was the final checkpoint after Newcombe was limited at the club’s main training session on Tuesday because of general soreness. Sicily was also restricted that day with an ankle issue, leaving both co-captains under watch before the trip across to Perth.
The pair flew into Perth on Tuesday night and were then named in Hawthorn’s side on Wednesday afternoon. Newcombe later took part in a light session, ran through sprints and joined his fellow midfielders for centre clearance drills, while Sicily worked through the session from start to finish.
Newcombe And Sicily Ready
Sicily was the first player out of the race during the session, then spoke with Luke Hodge before rejoining the rest of his teammates. He did not join a group of defenders including Tom Barrass during marking work, but did accompany Hawthorn’s forwards as they took shots on goal.
David Mackay said both men were fine and would play. He also said, “They’ve had really good weeks where we’ve been able to manage them a little bit and get them to the start line tomorrow 100 per cent ready to go, which is great for the team,” and added, “Those guys probably did a little bit less this week, but it’s part of the season now, where you’ve got to do that with some of your players. They’ll arrive tomorrow night ready to go.”
Hawthorn’s Perth Group
Hawthorn also took three emergencies to Perth: Henry Hustwaite, Matt Hill and Cam Nairn. Box Hill Hawks had a bye in the VFL at the weekend, which meant those extra players could travel with the main group rather than stay behind.
For Hawthorn, the practical answer is simple: Newcombe’s soreness did not stop him getting through the last session, and both co-captains were available for the game. The larger call now sits with the team that has managed their workloads through the week and still expects them on the field for a match between second and third.
