Hawthorn refuse to write off boom recruit Jaeger O’Meara’s year as a bust, pushing the injured midfielder to return by season’s end.
O’Meara is suffering bone stress in a long-troublesome knee but coach Alastair Clarkson says he won’t be put in cotton wool for next season.
Clarkson says Hawks medicos are relieved O’Meara’s injury isn’t tendon-related.
“It’s a little bit of a hiccup for us because he was really doing a mini pre-season to try and get back,” Clarkson told reporters on Wednesday.
“And in the process of putting some load through, that knee got a bit of bone stress.”
Clarkson said there was no temptation to sideline O’Meara with 2018 in mind, ruling out any link with a knee tendon injury two years ago while at Gold Coast.
“We think it’s good for him and us he gets up to play (this season),” Clarkson said.
“Even if it’s two or three games and, even if that happens to be at Box Hill rather than at senior footy, we think it’s important for him and his rehab.
“He has played very little footy for the best part of two-and-a-half years now.
“So it’s good for him and good for us if we get him playing, so we will be trying to do that and we won’t be putting him in cotton wool.”
The Hawks, in 17th spot with just four wins, are bolstered by the returns of stalwarts Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall for Thursday night’s away fixture against Adelaide.
Luke Breust and Ryan Schoenmakers also return, while Josh Gibson is out with a groin injury and Brendan Whitecross is among three players omitted.
The Crows have made one change, replacing Riley Knight (omitted) with Luke Brown.
Hawthorn were held to their lowest halftime score – 0.1 – against Port Adelaide three weeks ago at Adelaide Oval.
And on return to the venue, Clarkson said the lessons learnt were clear.
“(Adelaide Oval) has become a bit of a fortress of both of the teams in Adelaide,” he said.
“You need to try and be at least even with them at quarter-time if you give yourself a chance.”
Wilson
Roar Guru
O'meara was always going to be a long shot this year. We have seen he still has the skills and I'm happy with that now we need to work on him for 2018 and if playing games this year is part of Recovery then so be it
Nineteen
Guest
Always been a strong believer that Hodge's on field leadership was mainly what Clarko was keeping him around for. Having heard him miked up last night and hearing Wayne Carey's lavish praise (most instructional player they had ever had miked up and he learnt a great deal from listening to him) that with the departure of Lewis and Sam we needed someone that could provide that on field leadership. Interesting to watch him even when singing the team song at the end he was still swaying something along the lines of "Mate we don't do that here" as he admonished Burton for some kind of misdemeanour. Physically he maybe passed it but gee whiz he's got a lot of knowledge to impart to the younger troops.
GJ
Guest
If he's good enough I hope he plays another year. Would be flip of the coin between Burgoyne and Roughead as my favourite Hawthorn player over the last 15-20 years.
Birdman
Guest
Paul, I've got a feeling Burgoyne might be on the 2018 list.
Birdman
Guest
disagree Gecko - Hodge has been mighty in 2017 even if he's a step down from his peak - has not been gifted games unlike Gibbo. I have no comment in relation to Mitchell and Lewis other than they will always be Hawks champs unlike Buddy who dogged the club in the way he left. He'll always be dead to me.
Birdman
Guest
"He’ll be hampered by his knee for the rest of his career." .....based on your medical qualifications or your crystal ball?
Gecko
Guest
It was probably over for Hodge at the end of 2016 too. It wasn't over for Lewis and Mitchell but they were the two that the Hawks let go.
Paul D
Roar Guru
If you kept playing him he'd be your McVeigh, past his prime but no-one will pull the trigger. I agree it's a good outcome. Gibson is done. I thought Burgoyne would be the first one to go but he seems ageless.
anon
Roar Pro
O'Meara made out like a bandit in this Hawthorn deal. Had barely paid for two years. He'll be hampered by his knee for the rest of his career.
Birdman
Guest
could still end up a premiership player in 2017 - at Box Hill.
Birdman
Guest
Regrettably, Josh Gibson's groin strain may be the best bit of (non-selection) news all year for hawks fans. Sad way to end a stellar career but it was over at the end of 2016 truth be told. That's not to say that everyone will welcome back Schoenmakers but it makes sense with the available cattle. Hawks to lose by less than 6 goals.
Paul D
Roar Guru
O'Mearabito
Kane
Guest
Don't worry about his year being a bust, his career is starting to look that way.