A disappointed Josh Gibson leaves the field after Hawthorn's victory against West Coast. Source: News Limited
HAWTHORN hopes a long break between games will give defenders Josh Gibson and Grant Birchall time to recover from injuries in time for Sunday's clash against a buoyant Brisbane.
Gibson injured an ankle late in last Friday night's win over West Coast, while Birchall was subbed out in the third term after copping what was believed to be a knock to the knee in the first term.
Small forward Paul Puopolo is also racing to be fit to face the Lions in Launceston after pulling out pre-game with a quad injury.
In-form forward Jarryd Roughead said Puopolo was likely to have scans while Birchall and Gibson would be assessed later in the week.
"We'll give them as much time as they need, knowing it's a longer week and no doubt recovery will be the main focus for those two boys this week,'' Roughead said today.
Wingman Isaac Smith should be ready to return from a calf injury.
But star small forward Cyril Rioli, who has missed the Hawks' past seven games with a hamstring injury, is expected to make his comeback through VFL side Box Hill.
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"I don't think he's ever pulled on a Box Hill jumper,'' Roughead said.
"Hodgey's had to do it, we've all had to do it, so it might be Cyril's turn.''
Roughead said the Hawks' multi-pronged attack would be even more dangerous once Rioli and Puopolo return.
But he said the defence probably saved the Hawks on Friday night, given the amount of possession the Eagles won through the midfield, powered by the performance of star ruck duo Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox.
Roughead said that showed the top-placed Hawks they still have areas that need work.
"It was probably lucky that we had (Brian Lake) and Gibbo in defence, that probably stopped a fair bit on Friday night,'' he said.
There will be no complacency as the Hawks seek to equal their club record winning streak on Sunday, given the incredible comeback win the Lions produced against Geelong on Sunday.
"It's going to be pretty full-on, they've come off a great win and we're going to have to be on our game,'' Roughead said.
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