VICE-CAPTAIN Jarryd Roughead will return to the Hawks’ line-up for Saturday night’s match against Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium.
Roughead had missed the club’s past two matches after having a melanoma removed from his bottom lip.
The key forward will replace Taylor Duryea, who is out with a shoulder injury.
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said Roughead had been given the all clear to play.
“He’s been training fully for the last seven days,” Fagan said.
“He got the all clear from the surgeon on Tuesday to say that the wound is fine and he’s okay to play football.
“He’s jumping out of his skin wanting to play.”
Fagan said he expected Duryea’s shoulder injury would only keep him out for one week.
Roughead’s has averaged two goals per game this season, making him an important addition to the Hawks’ side for the Round 16 clash – the second contest between last year’s grand finalists in 2015.
The match will also mark midfielder Isaac Smith’s 100th at AFL level.
Smith was recruited by the Hawks with pick 19 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft and has missed just 10 games since making his AFL debut in Round 7, 2011.
Just four points separates the third-placed Swans and fourth-placed Hawks on the AFL ladder, making it an important clash for both clubs.
Round 16 Team
Sydney v Hawthorn
ANZ Stadium
Saturday 18 July, 7.20pm
B: Matt Spangher, Brian Lake, Sam Mitchell
HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge
C: Bradley Hill, Shaun Burgoyne, Isaac Smith
HF: Cyril Rioli, Ryan Schoenmakers, Matt Suckling
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Paul Puopolo, Billy Hartung, Ben Stratton, David Hale
Emer: James Sicily, Alex Woodward, Angus Litherland
In: Jarryd Roughead
Out: Taylor Duryea (shoulder)
Milestone: Isaac Smith – 100th AFL game
