Hawks hover as West Perth fly into massive challenge
West Perth expect to confront up to eight Hawthorn players tonight in a Box Hill team that is undefeated in the VFL this season and eager to replicate that form in the Foxtel Cup.
Dual AFL premiership star Brad Sewell may be one of them as he recovers from a ham- string injury.
"We are under no illusions about the size of the challenge," Falcons coach Bill Monaghan said.
"We watched Box Hill play on Saturday and when the scoreboard shows 20 goals to one, you know you are up against a very good team."
The reigning VFL and WAFL premiers will meet at Etihad Stadium as West Perth venture to a major Melbourne venue for the second time in three seasons.
Monaghan said West Perth's trip to the MCG in 2012 provided a career highlight for many of his players.
Tonight's winner will take on Launceston team Western Storm, who upset Foxtel Cup champions West Adelaide in the opening round. Ten first-choice players have been left at home as West Perth prepare for a five-day turnaround to their next WAFL fixture.
Monaghan said the Foxtel Cup match provided an ideal opportunity to blood several fringe players.
"Only a couple of our squad have not played league football and for players on the periphery like Joe Morrow, Kris Shannon and Seva Martin, it is a chance to step up against very high-quality opposition," he said.
"They are pretty excited about the chance to play at a major AFL ground, though we recognise it will be a tough ask against Box Hill."
Monaghan said he expected eight Hawthorn players would be released for the match after only six senior Hawks were used in Box Hill's thumping win over Frankston.
They could include AFL- experienced players Sam Grimley and Ben Ross, as well as New Zealand rookies Kurt Heatherly and Shem-Kalvin Tatupu.
Giant ruckman Luke Lowden, who has been on Hawthorn's list for six years without playing a senior match, will challenge Martin, who switched from Subiaco this season.
Monaghan said West Perth took a calculated gamble by organising their WAFL bye before their Foxtel Cup match.
The Falcons will return home early tomorrow then take on Peel at home on Sunday.
The Foxtel Cup winners will receive $100,000 in prize money.
East Perth are on the other side of the draw and will take on SANFL premiers Norwood at Patersons Stadium on May 27.
