“Unpredictable”: Hawks frustrated by Gunston injury

Jack Gunston’s foot injury is a bit “unpredictable” and certainly frustrating for he and Hawthorn.

Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has described it as a “mid-foot sprain” which will keep him out of tonight’s clash with Gold Coast and may even sideline him for the Round 16 fixture against GWS.

The injury initially flared up in the second half against St Kilda in Round 12 when he kicked five goals, and he was rested in the final quarter.

Mitchell says the veteran has been battling soreness in recent weeks and just can’t quite get up for game day at the moment.

“I’ve never been one to mess around with the injury report, I’ve always pretty much told you exactly what we know,” Mitchell said on SEN’s Fireball.

“He’s got a mid-foot sprain. Now there’s more complicated language than I can pronounce, according to our doctors.

“The joint in the middle of his foot he hurt a few weeks ago but he ended up bouncing out of it not too badly. Then he played on it and it was potentially a little bit sorer after he did play a game.

“Now every week we’re thinking he’ll be ok, he’ll do a bit of training and he’ll be available, but hasn’t got there. So we need to reassess the management and how we’re going about it.

“He’s not ruled out of next week but I think he’s more unlikely than likely right now, even for next week.

“It is a frustrating one, mainly for him because he’s got Nick Watson telling him every day he’s going to beat him in the goal kicking. So it’s frustrating for him on two fronts I think.”

If Gunston is already in doubt for next week, are there fears that this could stretch on any further?

“I don’t think so,” Mitchell replied.

“I probably haven’t asked that question which I don’t want to hear the answer to.

“He’s a chance for next week, he hasn’t been ruled out. They way they’re talking and the language (they’re using) and how much footy he’s missed now, if I had to put may house on it he’s probably unlikely for next and more likely the week after.

“But it’s been a bit unpredictable which is frustrating for him.”

Gunston has booted 35 goals this season including three bags of five and one of six.

Given his importance to the team, it prompted Tim Watson to ask SEN Breakfast co-host Garry Lyon: "How serious is it to Hawthorn’s premiership chances if Gunston couldn’t play another game this season?"

Lyon explained that he believes the Hawks can contend, but absolutely cannot achieve the ultimate glory without their veteran spearhead.

“I don't think they could win it without him. You know what I think about Jack Gunston,” Lyon exclaimed.

“I think they can contend, I think they're a very good side, (but) I think their midfield is the question.

“(Mitch) Lewis played well in (Gunston’s) absence (against the Dogs), his game elevated, but I think they'd be light on.

“I still think they might be one light from winning the premiership, but I don't think they could do it without Jack Gunston.”

Watson couldn’t agree with Lyon’s synopsis though. The former player and coach believes that Hawthorn can still win the flag but need to start performing more consistently.

“No, I still think they can,” Watson stated.

“They've got to get their skates on though because they haven't been able to consistently perform at the higher levels that we saw them last year.

“I don't think we've seen enough of that this season, so they've got to correct that. They need to get rolling and start to build a little bit of momentum in the way they play.”

Hawthorn are currently sitting at fifth on the ladder with eight wins next to their name, and are favourites to defeat the Suns on Friday night.