Veteran Hawk, retiring Dee set for VFL action

HAWTHORN defender Grant Birchall and retiring Melbourne defender Bernie Vince are not giving up on their season with both named to play in the VFL this weekend.

Birchall hasn't played at any level this year after separate surgeries in December and March to try to correct the posterior cruciate ligament problem in his right knee.

He was due to play limited minutes in the VFL two weeks ago, but was withdrawn due to a minor adductor strain.

However, the 30-year-old will finally get out on the park for Box Hill in Sunday's preliminary final against Williamstown at Stannards Stadium.

If he gets through unscathed and the senior team wins through to preliminary final, then he could be in the mix to face West Coast at Optus Stadium next week.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said earlier this month he would pick Birchall "in a heartbeat" if he could run out a game.

Meanwhile, Vince will play for Casey in Saturday's preliminary final against Essendon at Stannards Stadium.

Vince's season and career appeared over when he had surgery on a ruptured AC joint five weeks ago.

He since announced he would be retiring at the end of the season, but just when that is remains to be seen.

With the senior side looking very settled and going unchanged into Friday night's semi-final against Hawthorn, Vince would likely need an injury or suspension to put his name in the selection mix.