With Hawthorn ruckman Max Bailey nursing an untimely wrist injury and Jarryd Roughead short on match fitness, former Lion Broc McCauley has rocketed into contention for a round one berth against Collingwood in a fortnight.
McCauley and David Hale teamed up well in Friday night’s three-point win over Fremantle in the AFL practice match at Perth, with coach Alastair Clarkson giving the biggest hint yet the pair will be chosen against the Magpies on March 30.
Bailey could be out of action for up to 12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his wrist on Friday, meaning Hale will be thrust into the No.1 ruck role.
And with ruckman/forward Roughead unlikely to be picked for the start of the season after only just returning from a serious achilles tendon injury, 202cm McCauley is the front runner to become Hale’s back-up.
McCauley, who notched three games for Brisbane last year before being snared by Hawthorn via the rookie draft, tallied modest figures of eight possessions and nine hitouts against Fremantle.
But importantly, the 25-year-old’s presence allowed Hale to spend large periods of the game up forward, with the former North Melbourne ruckman finishing with three first-half goals and 20 hitouts.
Clarkson said he liked the flexibility the pair offered.
“We’re pretty hopeful those two will be able to do the job for us in Max’s absence,” Clarkson said.
“Max’s surgery went quite well.
“We’ve just got to wait and see whether he’s out for four or five weeks or eight or nine.”
Roughead, making his first competitive appearance since round 12 last year, played deep in defence after being subbed on in the third quarter.
The 25-year-old finished with 12 possessions and five marks in a promising performance, but may start the season in the VFL in order to build up greater match fitness.
Hawthorn led by 24 points at half-time, but had to rely on Jack Gunston’s late goal to secure the 13.8 (86) to 12.11 (83) win.
Fremantle suffered two injury scares, with defenders Michael Johnson (ankle) and Luke McPharlin (concussion) forced off in the second quarter.
But Dockers coach Ross Lyon was confident the pair would be fit for the round one clash with Geelong on March 31, along with fellow backman Alex Silvagni, who missed the match with a rolled ankle.
Forward Jack Anthony boosted his chances of a round one berth, taking a series of strong grabs on his way to 2.2.