TonyK
CibbuanoHawks prepared for Hodge birth
July 24th 2008 03:44
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says he is prepared for the possible last-minute withdrawal of vice-captain Luke Hodge for Friday night's blockbuster clash against Geelong at the MCG due to the imminent birth of his first child.
Hodge trained with the rest of the Hawks' squad at Waverley Park on Thursday morning but may be a late withdrawal with his partner expected to give birth on Friday.
Clarkson said he was preparing his team to face the reigning premiers with and without Hodge being in the side.
"Like all pregnancies there is a two- to three-week window when Lauren (Hodge's partner) could have the baby," he said.
"If it happens to come tomorrow afternoon or late evening then Hodgey will miss the game and we will just have a contingency in place, with the emergency player waiting in case he (Hodge) gets the phone call."
Clarkson said he had no problem with the star midfielder missing the club's biggest game of the season.
"If it is the right thing for him and Lauren that he is at the birth, that's fine but you can't not prepare for it," he said.
Hodge trained with the rest of the Hawks' squad at Waverley Park on Thursday morning but may be a late withdrawal with his partner expected to give birth on Friday.
Clarkson said he was preparing his team to face the reigning premiers with and without Hodge being in the side.
"Like all pregnancies there is a two- to three-week window when Lauren (Hodge's partner) could have the baby," he said.
"If it happens to come tomorrow afternoon or late evening then Hodgey will miss the game and we will just have a contingency in place, with the emergency player waiting in case he (Hodge) gets the phone call."
Clarkson said he had no problem with the star midfielder missing the club's biggest game of the season.
"If it is the right thing for him and Lauren that he is at the birth, that's fine but you can't not prepare for it," he said.
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