VFL Round 7 Team: Skipper and Sruk Return!
The Box Hill Hawks have made four changes to its side for Saturday’s match against the Bullants, recalling skipper Hugh Beasley and the popular Mitch Sruk for the game at Preston City Oval.
AFL-listed prospects Max Ramsden and Fionn O’Hara round out the quartet of additions.
The former has produced a brilliant run of form at VFL level in 2023 and, with Lloyd Meek recalled to the Hawks’ traveling party, will be tasked with shouldering the bulk of the ruck duties.
O’Hara returns to the fold for the first time since suffering a head knock against Collingwood in round four. The incident came at an unfortunate time for the Irishman, who had built both continuity and confidence in the early stages of his second season on these shores. Back in the mix, the rugby union convert will no doubt look to pick up where he left off.
In terms of the omissions, Zane Littlejohn and his match committee lost Connor MacDonald and Lloyd Meek to the Hawks’ senior set-up, while Damian Mascitti has been managed and will instead take his place in the coaches box guiding the Hawks’ backline.
Ethan Stanley, who kicked two goals in the Club’s last-start loss to Casey, has seen his excellent early season form rewarded with a place in the Young Guns squad for Sunday’s match against Vic Metro.
Co-captain Hugh Beasley shapes as an excellent addition to a team looking to rebound from last week’s first loss of the year. Having endured a delayed start to his campaign owing to pre-season surgery, the key back returned for the wins over Collingwood and Coburg, only to miss last weekend while in the VFL’s concussion protocols.
Like O’Hara, Beasley will likely be hoping for a little luck and continuity as he builds into the season.
Meanwhile, the powerful and dynamic Mitch Sruk will make his first appearance of 2023. The big-bodied Eastern Ranges utility featured four times last season and is capable of playing roles across half-back, half-forward and through the midfield as required.
Box Hill will confirm the final composition of our game-day 23, including any changes, prior to Saturday’s scheduled 2:05pm bounce.
Ins: M. Ramsden, F. O’Hara, H. Beasley, M. Sruk
Outs: D. Mascitti (managed), C. MacDonald (elevated), L. Meek (elevated), E. Stanley (Young Guns)
Squad: 16. L Bramble, 21. C Stephens, 23. J Koschitzke, 24. D Grainger-Barrass, 27. N Long, 28. C Mackenzie, 30. S Butler, 32. F Maginness, 34. F O’Hara, 35. J Morris, 36. J Blanck, 38. M Ramsden, 39. E Jeka, 41. J Bennetts, 42. B MacDonald, 43. J O’Sullivan, 44. H Hustwaite, 53. H Beasley, 55. C Porter, 57. J Thorpe, 60. E Phillips, 66. C Brown, 80. M Sruk (23rd)
Emergencies: 54. J Trudgeon, 59. J Rule, 61. M Hall, 64. T Waack, 67. D Murr, 70. J Arundell, 74. L Coghlan, 78. K Agosta
