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AFL 2025: Hawthorn will welcome back forward Mitch Lewis from injury this weekend

AFL 2025: Hawthorn will welcome back forward Mitch Lewis from injury this weekend

News.com.au17-07-2025
The much-anticipated wait for Mitch Lewis is almost over.
The Hawthorn spearhead is set to play his first senior game in 378 days this weekend against Port Adelaide in Tasmania.
Lewis was one of the hard luck stories in Hawthorn's dream run to September last year, going down with an ACL in round 17.
The 26-year-old sought overseas advice on his knee and has been made to earn his place in the side through the VFL.
He had kicked two and three goals in his first two matches for Box Hill but banged the selection door down with a haul of five against Essendon last week.
Lewis is a welcome addition to the Hawks' front half after going down to Fremantle last weekend.
The clash against the Power marks the return fixture of the Hawks' worst performance of the year – Gather Round.
The Power piled on 12 of the first 13 goals in that game to hand Hawthorn its first loss of the year.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was unsure if he would readdress the Gather Round loss but confirmed he would reach into his 'kit bag' to keep the top-four hopes alive.
'They've had the wood over us lately, they've won certainly the last three,' Mitchell said.
'We haven't handled a couple of situations well … it's a big end to the season for every club and they're in the way of what we're trying to achieve.
'We'll prepare the players as best we can to get the outcome we want.
'There's a whole range of things in our kit bag that we can use for that – the last couple of times we've played Port is part of that.
'But whether we decide to show too much of that or not is to be determined.'
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Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish
Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish

The Advertiser

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Hawks on Blues cruise to deny Docherty fairytale finish

Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury. Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury. Hawthorn's self-proclaimed "villains" have spoiled Sam Docherty's farewell party, cruising to a 24-point win as the Carlton hero waved an emotional MCG goodbye. Docherty kicked a goal and was given a touching send-off in front of 51,271 fans on Thursday night after announcing his retirement mid-week. But there was no fairytale ending to the two-time cancer survivor's remarkable career against the businesslike Hawks, who kicked eight of the first nine goals in their 13.7 (85) to 9.7 (61) victory. A sixth win from seven outings strengthened Hawthorn's grip on a top-eight spot and kept them firmly in top-four contention with a 13-6 record. "They were playing for a bit ... so we knew there would be a little bit of extra something about it and we were pleased we were able to respond early," Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. "They wouldn't go away, unfortunately, but we did what we had to do. "We were cast in the role of the villain, so we embraced that." An inspirational figure, Docherty has twice beaten testicular cancer and endured three knee reconstructions, while winning a Carlton best-and-fairest award and All-Australian selection. The 31-year-old entered the field of play for his 184th and last game with his family, and had 16 disposals between a wing and half-forward. He was moved into attack after halftime and provided a highlight with a third-quarter goal, celebrating with a bow to the crowd. Docherty was also used as a stepladder by Hawks forward Calsher Dear, who took a mark-of-the-year contender on his opponent's shoulders. Blues coach Michael Voss conceded it was a disappointing result in Docherty's final appearance and vice-captain Jacob Weitering's 200th game. "We came in wanting to create a sort of pretty special memory off two players that we hold in the highest of regard," Voss said. "They've had huge impact on our football club ... so we would've liked to have started better. "The Hawks getting the jump and the scoreboard going that way, it just proved too hard to be able to fight back. "While the rest of the game was somewhat a stalemate, the reality was the margin was too big to drag back." Mitch Lewis kicked his first goal in more than a year in Hawthorn's hot start, helping them to a 25-0 lead before Corey Durdin got the Blues on the board. It was brief respite for Carlton, who trailed 6.1 to 1.2 at quarter-time and were 42 points in arrears early in the third term. Docherty briefly sparked Carlton late in the quarter, kicking one goal but missing the chance for another after he had caught James Sicily holding the ball. But the Blues never got close enough to threaten a boilover. Jack Gunston (three goals), Nick Watson, Dear and Lewis (two each) shared the load in attack for Hawthorn. Will Day made a successful return from a foot injury with 15 disposals on limited minutes, and hauled in a spectacular mark over Lachie Fogarty. Fellow Hawks midfielder Jai Newcombe was subbed out in the third term after nursing a tight calf into the match. Dylan Moore (27 touches), Jarman Impey (25) and Josh Ward (22) were all busy, with Sicily and Tom Barrass strong in defence. Weitering worked tirelessly for Carlton opposed to Gunston, while George Hewett (25 disposals) and Zac Williams (18 touches, seven clearances) battled hard. Amid intrigue around his playing future, Charlie Curnow kicked two goals from 10 disposals and McKay booted one late on return from a knee injury.

What Maroons' forward contender Kulikefu Finefeuiaki said to inspire the Ipswich SHS's latest Aussie schoolboy representative
What Maroons' forward contender Kulikefu Finefeuiaki said to inspire the Ipswich SHS's latest Aussie schoolboy representative

News.com.au

time3 hours ago

  • News.com.au

What Maroons' forward contender Kulikefu Finefeuiaki said to inspire the Ipswich SHS's latest Aussie schoolboy representative

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‘It's not good news': Storm face crucial call at halfback as premiership favourites deal with Jahrome Hughes' shoulder injury
‘It's not good news': Storm face crucial call at halfback as premiership favourites deal with Jahrome Hughes' shoulder injury

News.com.au

time3 hours ago

  • News.com.au

‘It's not good news': Storm face crucial call at halfback as premiership favourites deal with Jahrome Hughes' shoulder injury

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy says his side won't be able to completely recover regardless of who comes in to replace Jahrome Hughes next week as the club sweats on scans to determine the severity of the halfback's shoulder injury. Hughes left the field just minutes into the second half of Melbourne's gutsy 34-30 win over the Roosters with the club confirming immediately that he'd dislocated his shoulder after landing awkwardly while making a tackle on James Tedesco. The reigning Dally M Medal winner was in agony and had to be helped off Allianz Stadium, with Melbourne's medical staff unable to put it back in. Confirmation Jahrome Hughes has injured his shoulder and won’t return tonight. He is going to hospital for assessment and pain relief. We will provide another update as soon as we can ðŸ'œ — Melbourne Storm (@storm) July 24, 2025 'He's gone to the hospital and the doctor has gone with him. We're not really sure (how bad it is) but it's dislocated and they couldn't get it (back) in here so he'll probably have to go under to get it back in,' Bellamy said after the game. 'Whether he's got a crack in it as well or whether (it's something else) we might not find out until tomorrow, but you'd like to think they'll get it back in tonight. 'It's not good news, but we're not sure the severity of it until he has an X-ray or a scan. 'I experienced it myself. I had both my shoulders reconstructed. 'I think the longer they're out, it's a bigger problem. The longer it's out, the more it stretches the ligaments and the muscles around the joint. I don't think it's overly good news.' Storm indicate Jahrome Hughes suffered a dislocated shoulder - textbook mechanism landing on outstretched arm. General recovery guide: - minimal structural damage/joint stable: trial rehab for 3-6 weeks - significant damage/joint unstable: reco surgery & 3+ months — NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) July 24, 2025 Hughes has had shoulder issues in the past and will miss the rest of the season if scans confirm the worst. It would be a huge blow for the premiership favourites who bravely fought on without him as skipper Harry Grant stood tall with superstars Cameron Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona also missing. Hughes had already set up a try and was starting to look threatening in attack before he was forced off, with the result moving them back into second spot for now. 'I reckon it was just getting to the stage of the game where he would have started doing a bit more running,' Bellamy said. 'The back end of the first half he started doing a bit of running and he was causing some issues for the Roosters defence. 'No one wants to lose their halfback. He's a massive part of our footy team.' Bellamy has two clear options for next week's game against the Eels, with Tyran Wishart and Jonah Pezet the men most likely to partner Munster in the halves. Wishart played five-eighth on Thursday night and filled in admirably in the halves last season while Munster was out injured, while Pezet is a more traditional halfback but has played just two NRL games off the bench this year after returning from a serious knee injury. 'We'll give someone else a chance,' Bellamy said. 'Munster should be back next week, and with 'Wish' and 'Pez', he's only a young kid who hasn't had much first grade experience at all. But he's a good organiser and kicker. 'We'll see what we think is best for the team. 'Mun' will come back in and then we'll go from there. 'We probably won't recover completely because he was the Dally M player of the year last year. However long he's out for, we're going to miss him.'

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