HAWTHORN has been forced to make three changes for Friday night’s clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The Hawks will be without star midfielder Sam Mitchell (back), defender Taylor Duryea (hip) and ruckman Jonathon Ceglar (suspension).

Second-year ruckman Marc Pittonet comes in for his second AFL match, midfielder Will Langford returns after a week’s rest, and defender Angus Litherland is back after displaying consistent form at VFL level.

GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said the three changes were all like-for-like.

“They were all pretty logical decisions,” Fagan said.

“Pitto comes in for Cegs, Langers replaces Mitch and Gus steps up for Doc.

“Pitto and Gus have been in really good form at VFL level, so they’ve earned their chance and will be looking forward to making the most of it. Langers was managed last week with a few sore spots, so he’ll be looking forward to getting back out there.”

Fagan said the Hawks have taken a “no-risk approach” with both Mitchell and Duryea.

“Mitch has some stiffness in his back and Doc has a sore hip – both were really close to playing,” Fagan said.

- MATCH PREVIEW: Essendon v Hawthorn

“If it had been a Saturday or Sunday game, they may have recovered in time, but with a six-day break we have decided not to take any risks with those two."

The match also marks Shaun Burgoyne’s 150th for Hawthorn.

- BURGOYNE: Game 150 for Hawthorn

Burgoyne becomes just the second player in AFL/VFL history to have played 150 matches for two different clubs, having previously played 157 matches for Port Adelaide.

ROUND 12 TEAM


Essendon v Hawthorn

Friday 10 June, 7.50pm

Etihad Stadium

 

B: Angus Litherland, James Frawley, Ben Stratton

HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall

C: Isaac Smith, Jordan Lewis, Bradley Hill

HF: Luke Breust, Tim O’Brien, Jack Gunston

F: Paul Puopolo, James Sicily, Cyril Rioli

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Will Langford, Liam Shiels

Int: Marc Pittonet, Daniel Howe, Kade Stewart, Billy Hartung


Emer: Kaiden Brand, Kieran Lovell, Brendan Whitecross
 
 

In: Will Langford, Angus Litherland, Marc Pittonet

Out: Sam Mitchell (back), Taylor Duryea (hip), Jonathon Ceglar (suspension) 

Milestone: Shaun Burgoyne – 150th Club game