HAWTHORN has made one change for its blockbuster clash with West Coast Eagles on Saturday at Domain Stadium.
Ruckman Jon Ceglar returns to the side, replacing David Hale (general soreness).
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said Hale was in need of a break.
“He’s had a tough campaign – it’s a pretty physical game for the ruckmen,” Fagan said.
“David is relatively sore from our recent games, so we thought it was a good option to bring in Jon, who is feeling fresh.
“Jon’s been in good form – he was one of Box Hill’s best players last week.
It’s a massive game for the Hawks’ top-two aspirations.
A win against the second-placed Eagles will see the Hawks move within two points of a top-two position, while a loss will see them slip 10 points behind the Eagles with just four games to play in the home-and-away season.
Fagan said the coaching group had full confidence in the playing group to rebound after a loss to Richmond last week.
“The team has been pretty solid with its performance over the past couple of months,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of faith and confidence in this group to bounce back.”
The match will also mark Cyril Rioli’s 150th at AFL level.
The Hawks recruited the 26-year-old with pick 12 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
FEATURE: Rioli reaches 150 AFL games
Fagan said it was brilliant to see Rioli reach such a significant milestone.
“He’s given everybody involved with the club – coaches, staff, supporters, members – a lot of joy over his eight years at the club,” he said.
“There’s been so many memorable moments – the things that stand out are he’s really humble, a great team player and he does things on the football field that turn games our way.”
Round 19 Team
West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn
Domain Stadium
Saturday 8 August
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Sam Mitchell
HB: Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Josh Gibson
C: Billy Hartung, Shaun Burgoyne, Isaac Smith
HF: Cyril Rioli, Ryan Schoenmakers, Liam Shiels
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Jon Ceglar, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Paul Puopolo, Bradley Hill, Taylor Duryea, Ben McEvoy
Emer: Jed Anderson, Angus Litherland, Matt Suckling
In: Jon Ceglar
Out: David Hale (general soreness)
Milestone: Cyril Rioli – 150th AFL game
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