Speedster races against time to be proved fit to tackle the Sydney Swans.
Hawthorn are likely not to risk midfield star Cyril Rioli in their huge AFL finals clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
Rioli continues to battle a niggling ankle concerns, that if made worse by coming back too quickly, could see him ruled out of the rest of the year.
Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson said Rioli only trained lightly on Tuesday, and due to the fact the Hawks finished on top of the ladder and earned a second bite at the cherry if they lose to the Swans, tipped he won’t be rushed back into the side.
AFL medical expert Dr Rohan White said it would be a miracle if Rioli plays given what is at stake in the long-run for Hawthorn.
“Given the lack of preparation and training he has had, he must be in significant doubt,” White said.
“He has barely trained for two weeks. The other factor at play is that the MCG is potentially going to be very soft under foot.
It will be a damp, slippery surface. Anyone with ankle soreness or under any doubt would be unwise to be tested under those conditions.
“The rule of thumb is, if you have a recurrent injury, you double the time for rehabilitation. If you say this is a two-to-three-week injury, then if it happens again it could be a four-to-six-week injury.
“So if he was to turn his ankle again, you would probably say that would be the final series over.”
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