By Michael Gleeson
Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs are confronting injury problems to key players for their clash in Launceston on Sunday.
Hawk winger Bradley Hill is almost certain to miss the match, with residual effects of concussion, and dynamic young Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli is under a cloud with a calf injury.
Out: Bradley Hill of the Hawks.Credit: Getty Images
Bontempelli was named in the team and is expected to fly to Tasmania as the Dogs give him time to be fit, but he has struggled with tightness and soreness in the calf all week.
His loss would be significant for the Dogs who have impressed in the opening rounds and who will fancy their chances against the reigning premiers after their loss to Essendon last Sunday.
Bontempelli has been best-on-ground in the Dogs' two wins.
Hill is understood to have passed concussion tests after a head knock, but the club will not take chances with him.
Hill would be a significant loss for the Hawks as he is one of the few players to give the team outside run. Hawthorn rely heavily on Hill, Isaac Smith and Liam Shiels for line-breaking running.
Shiels is already missing with a hamstring injury and the Hawks are expected to include another runner in the team.