Hawthorn has finalised its 'top-up list' of 20 players to call upon if required via the AFL health and safety protocols during the 2022 season.

Several Box Hill players including the likes of captain Hugh Beasley, Damian Mascitti and Vincent Adduci have been nominated as part of the Playing List Guidelines.

COVID Contingency Lists will further support the competition in circumstances where clubs are impacted by the protocols.

The guidelines are designed to provide clubs with flexibility to navigate circumstances of increased COVID-19 risk while also maintaining the integrity of the competition and not materially impacting second tier competitions across the country.

Hawthorn Head of Football Rob McCartney said the protocols will only be implemented if the circumstances required.

"It made sense to align with Box Hill in this process given our strong, existing relationship with the club," McCartney said.

"These precautionary measures will allow us to complete the season in the event that a significant outbreak occurs.

"The other positive is, that if a situation were to arise, it creates an incredible opportunity for one of these players."

Hawthorn GM - VFL & VFLW Daniel Napoli said the guidelines would provide Box Hill players with an invaluable opportunity to gain AFL experience should Hawthorn be impacted by a COVID-19 outbreak during the season.

“We have worked together to ensure minimal impact or disruption to both the VFL and AFL competitions through these guidelines," Napoli said.

"We're looking forward to be able to utilise our players to help Hawthorn navigate circumstances of increased COVID-19 risk while also maintaining the integrity of the competition.”

Touted as one of the most successful alliances in the industry, Hawthorn’s partnership with Box Hill has been ongoing since 1999.

The alignment of Hawthorn and Box Hill is the one and only original VFL/AFL alignment which remains today.  

Hawthorn’s top up players

Damian Mascitti

Vincent Adduci

Ben Cavarra

Hugh Beasley

James Blanck

Callum Porter

Fergus Greene

Jaylon Thorpe

Ed Phillips

Stuart Horner

Lachlan Wynd

Brady Grey

Jordan Cunico

Mason De Wit

Luis D'Angelo

Max Walton

Liam Coghlan

Charlie Beasley

Mitchell Sruk

James Parsons