Alastair Clarkson faces the rare scenario of losing not one but two key players late in Hawthorn's preparation for their AFL clash against Gold Coast.
The Hawks are prepared for the last-minute losses of Ben McEvoy and Paul Puopolo, with the key duo's respective partners about to give birth.
Hawthorn take on the Suns in Launceston on Saturday and both players have indicated they will make the dash back to Melbourne to be at the births if they come earlier than expected.
Emergencies Marc Pittonet and Teia Miles travelled with the team on Friday, with Clarkson forced to take a wait-and-see approach on the final make-up of his side.
"Ben McEvoy's wife (Nicki) is about to go into labour," Clarkson told reporters at Melbourne airport.
Advertisement
"Paul Puopolo is going through exactly the same thing with his wife Carmel, so if both the girls go into labour then both of those guys may not play.
"But we'll just wait and see how it all unfolds."
Puopolo might have to dash to the birth of his child instead of playing. Same goes for Ben McEvoy.
Photo: AAP
The Hawks are just outside the eight on percentage with a 7-5 record, while the 15th-ranked Suns are on a seven-game losing slide.
Clarkson has highlighted his side's struggles to make the most of scoring opportunities as a key area for improvement if they are to push back inside the eight.
He pointed to a lack of continuity with personnel inside the attacking 50 as a factor, with Shaun Burgoyne, Cyril Rioli and Puopolo all missing games.
But the coach also conceded full-forward Jarryd Roughead is going through a lean patch, with two goals from his past three games.
"His polish with the ball has just been a little bit low," Clarkson said.
"We're actually really pleased with the contribution he's been making (but) he just hasn't quite had that polish to finish off.
"He's a little bit reflective of our opportunities going inside 50 … we're getting the chances without making the most of them.
"But he represents a bit of blue sky for us because it's unlikely that it will continue to be that way for him."
Clarkson made one change to the team that pummelled Adelaide, James Frawley returning after dropping out with a migraine at the expense of Kaiden Brand.
The coach was unable to give an update on a potential return date for Rioli, who remains on indefinite leave in the Northern Territory for personal reasons.
AAP
Most Viewed in Sport
Morning & Afternoon Newsletter
Delivered Mon–Fri.
