Hawthorn has confirmed two big inclusions ahead of its Saturday night clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. 

Star duo Ben McEvoy and Luke Breust will return after having missed last week’s win against North Melbourne due to the AFL's health and safety protocols.

The big stats behind the Hawks Round 1 win

Head of Football Rob McCartney says the duo’s experience and leadership qualities will be a welcome inclusion as the Hawks prepare to travel to Adelaide.  

“Both players have been significant contributors to our club over a long period and have a key role to play guiding the on-field development of our young and emerging group,” McCartney said.

“After missing Round 1 both Luke and Ben are eager to kick off their season’s against a respected opponent in Port Adelaide.” 

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McEvoy and Breust on missing the season opener

We spoke to the returning duo as the boys continue to prep for the match against Port this Saturday.

Meanwhile, McCartney said Will Day would continue his match conditioning with Box Hill on the weekend.

“Will had a pleasing return to match play in a practice match for Box Hill last weekend. He has recovered well from this exposure and will increase his game time when Box Hill plays Collingwood in Round 1 of the VFL competition on Sunday," McCartney said. 

“Will is one of the exciting young Hawks rising through our ranks, and I’m confident our members and fans won’t have to wait too long before they see him return to the AFL team.” 

After their debuts last round, draftees Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald have retained their spots in the side.  

Max Lynch will miss Saturday night’s game in line with the AFL’s concussion protocols after he sustained a head knock in the win against the Kangaroos. 

Liam Shiels has been omitted this week, while Daniel Howe, Jacob Koschitzke, and draftee Ned Long have been named as emergencies.

The match will be played at the Adelaide Oval at 7.40pm AEDT and will be broadcast on Channel 7, Fox Footy and Kayo. 

ROUND 2 TEAM 

Hawthorn v Port Adelaide  
Saturday 26 March, 7.40pm AEDT 
Adelaide Oval 

B: Denver Grainger-Barras, Sam Frost, Blake Hardwick 
HB: Changkuoth Jiath, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw  
C: Josh Ward, Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara  
HF: Dylan Moore, Ben McEvoy, Luke Breust  
F: Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Chad Wingard 
R: Ned Reeves, Conor Nash, Jai Newcombe 
Int: James Worpel, Harry Morrison, Finn Maginness, Connor Macdonald 
 
Emer: Daniel Howe, Jacob Koschitzke, Ned Long, Tom Phillips 

IN: McEvoy, Breust

OUT: Lynch (concussion), Shiels (omitted)