Greater Western Sydney spearhead Jesse Hogan is set to make a timely return on Sunday as the Giants try to win their first game of the season against Richmond.
The ex-Docker and Demon will make his 100th appearance if he is in the 22, joining fellow milestone men Callan Ward (250) and Tim Taranto (100), after playing only nine times in his debut season at the club.
It could be a double boost for GWS, with All-Australian defender Nick Haynes (stomach) also in the extended squad – but Jacob Hopper (knee/rest) won’t play after an interruptxjmtzywed pre-season.
Hogan has struggled with soft-tissue setbacks in recent years, along with a previous foot problem, and GWS medicos played it safe when he reported soreness ahead of round 1.
But coach Leon Cameron said he was a likely starter after getting through about 70 minutes of game time in a VFL practice match last week against the Swans.
Hogan, 27, played against the Tigers twice last season, including a four-goal haul in round 9.
“No doubt he will put his hand up,” Cameron said.
“He has had a good couple of weeks. He had a good pre-season until he missed round 1 in the AFL.
“We expect him to pull up really well. We know some of the challenges we’ve had with him, so it’s not over the line until we get to game day. But if he does, we expect him to play.”
Haynes was well enough to play alongside Hogan in the VFL at the weekend after a difficult past month with a mystery stomach complaint and is “right in the mix” for AFL selection.
“‘Haynesy’ played really well last week. He was back to the old ‘Haynesy’,” Cameron said.
“He’s had some challenges with his stomach but he got through the game and I think he punched through about 13.5km – a lot of high-intensity running – so we were really happy.
“He’s trained really well this week, so hopefully he’s over some of the challenges he’s had. He’s clearly in line for us to select.”
Cameron is also giving serious consideration to picking Braydon Preuss to partner Matt Flynn against the Tigers’ ruck tandem of co-captain Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo.
Richmond could be without triple Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin, who has taken personal leave away from the club.
“He’s such a super player of the competition and, first and foremost, hopefully, he’s OK and he bounces back as quick as he possibly can,” Cameron said.
“Clearly, you prepare for all scenarios, whether he plays or whether he doesn’t.
“You’re dealing with a hungry midfield from last week. No doubt they would have been disappointed with what happened against Carlton. We’re expecting their very best.”
