Thompson, Holland lift Hawks

Written by: Scott Gullan

Herald Sun

24/4/2003

THE injury tide is turning at Hawthorn.

While the champagne corks aren't exactly popping, the sight of Nick Holland followed by Nathan Thompson greeting the media yesterday was a significant moment.

Holland will line up against his younger brother, Ben, in today's VFL clash between Coburg and Box Hill while Thompson returns against Richmond tomorrow at the MCG.

For a team that promises so much and yet continually fails to deliver - much to the angst of coach Peter Schwab, whose job security seems to rise and fall with his team's injury problems - the return of two big names is welcome.

There is also encouraging news on another star forward. Three weeks ago the outlook on John Barker and his osteitis pubis problems was grim, now he is rated only a fortnight away from resuming in the VFL.

Thompson is the key to Schwab's puzzle. He is the Hawks' big goalkicker and, paired with Peter Everitt, forms a potentially devastating following division.

A knee problem kept Thompson on ice until last week when he played the first 15 minutes of each quarter for Box Hill and kicked four goals.

"I really enjoyed my time last week at Box Hill," Thompson said.

"I had a run around and the body held up. I definitely needed the run for match fitness and to see how confident I was."

Thompson admitted enjoying watching Everitt perform in the ruck and noted the improvement of youngster David Loats as the team's second follower.

"Peter has shown in the past few weeks that he can really play the game and he is going well in Hawthorn colours," he said.

"With David Loats showing he can handle the ruck now it will probably give me a bigger chance to settle at full-forward and make that my home."

Holland has recovered from a calf tear and admitted he would prefer not to be lining up on brother Ben, who is recovering from knee surgery.

Luke Hodge (ankle) and Nathan Lonie (knee) are two weeks away from resuming while Richard Vandenberg (virus) returns. Simon Cox and Nick Stone have been dropped.

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