Five-goal hero Hawk escapes sanction
THE bump delivered to an opponent by Hawthorn's Mark Williams in Saturday night's preliminary final against St Kilda has been given the all-clear by the match review panel.
The revitalised forward, who crept out from beneath team-mate Lance Franklin's towering shadow to play a key role in Hawthorn's big win over St Kilda, is free to take his spot in this Saturday's eagerly anticipated AFL Grand Final.
Williams booted five goals while Franklin had little input on the scoreboard as the Hawks booked their place in their first grand final since 1991.
His bump on crouching Saints defender Max Hudghton had come under scrutiny post-match.
But the MRP took into account the hit had not been to Hudghton's head and that the free kick paid against Williams was sufficient penalty, therefore freeing him to take his place on Saturday.
Stokes cousins not sure of spots
TEAM balance may cost 2007 Geelong premiership player Mathew Stokes a spot in this Saturday's AFL Grand Final.
Stokes is one of five Cats players who could make way for Paul Chapman, who looks set to reclaim his spot after sitting out Saturday's preliminary final against the Bulldogs with injury.
Earlier this week, Cats coach mark Thompson guaranteed Travis Varcoe his spot in the side after his four-quarter effort against the Bulldogs on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Mathew's cousin, first-year Hawk, Cameron, looks to be an unlikely starter on Saturday after succumbing to a 'cork' injury to his quadricep muscle in the qualifying final against the Bulldogs three weeks ago.
Cameron is listed on the Hawks' website as having to undergo a test to see if his injury has sufficiently healed for him to be even considered for selection.
And Franklin has again been nominated for the mark/goal of the year for a juggling grab on Saturday night.
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DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Last Modified on 24/09/2008 01:09