HAWTHORN has made three changes for its clash against Geelong at the MCG on Saturday night.
Ruckman David Hale and key defender Brian Lake will return, while first-year Hawk Daniel Howe has been included for his second AFL game.
The trio replaces injured ruckman Jon Ceglar (back) and omitted pair Taylor Duryea and Ryan Schoenmakers.
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said veterans Hale and Lake were raring to go for the Hawks’ blockbuster clash after each missing a week with general soreness.
“Both of those boys had a little bit of soreness last week, and they’re fresh and ready to go,” Fagan said.
“With Jon’s back injury, it was a easy decision to bring David back in, and Brian will obviously have a big role to play on one of Geelong’s key forwards.”
Fagan said Howe’s form at VFL level meant he warranted a senior recall.
“With Daniel, it’s a great opportunity for one of our young players in a big game,” he said.
“He’s been playing well at Box Hill in a variety of positions and deserves this opportunity."
Saturday night’s clash will also mark key defender James Frawley’s 150th AFL match.
FEATURE: James Frawley's journey to 150 games
Frawley was originally recruited by Melbourne with pick 12 in the 2006 AFL Draft, and played 139 games for the Demons before joining Hawthorn as a free agent at the end of 2014.
The 26-year-old will play his 11th game for the Hawks on Saturday night.
Round 20 Team
Geelong v Hawthorn
MCG
Saturday 15 August, 7.20pm
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Josh Gibson
HB: Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Luke Hodge
C: Billy Hartung, Shaun Burgoyne, Isaac Smith
HF: Cyril Rioli, Jack Gunston, Liam Shiels
F: Matt Suckling, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: David Hale, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Paul Puopolo, Bradley Hill, Daniel Howe, Ben McEvoy
Emer: Taylor Duryea, Angus Litherland, Ryan Schoenmakers
In: David Hale, Brian Lake, Daniel Howe
Out: Jon Ceglar (back soreness), Ryan Schoenmakers (omitted), Taylor Duryea (omitted)
Milestone: James Frawley – 150th AFL game
