Hawthorn's Spangher ready to return to AFL

Matt Spangher has only played four senior games this season after being part of his first AFL premiership team last year.

Matt Spangher of Hawthorn

Hawthorn cult figure Matt Spangher has declared himself ready to return to the AFL. (AAP)

Hawthorn cult figure Matt Spangher has declared himself ready if the two-time reigning AFL premiers need him through the finals.

Spangher was one of the great stories of last year's premiership, finally making the team after missing out at West Coast (2006), Sydney (2012) and the Hawks the year before.

But he has only managed four games this year, returning from a hamstring injury last weekend through the VFL.

He will do well to break back into the senior side through the finals.

"I can't really worry too much about selection," he said.

"Fortunately, I had a few minutes in the VFL last week and I will more than likely play there again this week, then see what happens.

"I wouldn't be far off (being ready) - certainly if they needed me, I feel I could play this week.

"Fortunately, the list is in really healthy shape, so it's great we're not in dire straights."

Spangher, winner of Hawthorn's best clubman award last year, is one of their most popular players.

So regardless of whether he returns to the AFL this season, the tall utility is determined to contribute where possible.

"The important part of our club is that everyone believes they can play a part," he said.

"We have really good VFL side at the moment - we're travelling along nicely.

"It's a bit of a cliche, but Clarko (coach Alastair Clarkson) always says squads win premierships and it rings true.

"Whether you're in the 22 or not, you have a role to play and I'm hoping I do get in there."


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world