The Box Hill Hawks host Port Melbourne in Round 12 VFL action on Saturday afternoon.

The six-and-three Hawks sit fifth on the ladder and are one of the form sides of the competition, having recorded six wins in their last seven outings. A seventh win in eight starts could propel Clint Proctor’s side into the top four for the first time in 2022.

Second round draftee Connor Macdonald shapes as a key in for the brown and gold.

The 19-year-old has played 11 of a possible 12 games at AFL level in his debut season, kicking six goals and looking every bit a long term prospect for Sam Mitchell’s senior side.

The classy mid-forward, who would be making his Box Hill debut, is named on a half-forward flank for the visit of the Borough, joining a front half mix boasting the in-form Ben Cavarra and Fergus Greene.

At the opposite end of the park, and bearing in mind skipper Hugh Beasley is set to miss a second week with a slight knock, defensive reinforcements have arrived in the nick of time.

Vice-captain Stu Horner has overcome a hamstring injury he picked up in the Hawks’ last home game against Richmond, while the dashing Mason De Wit returns having missed last week’s win over North Melbourne through illness.

They join a youthful and exciting back six, which includes the likes of Josh Morris, Denver Grainger-Barrass, the freshly drafted James Blanck and Irishman Fionn O’Hara, who is looking more comfortable with each passing week.

Key tall Lachie Wynd has won himself a recall on the back of a three-goal effort in Rowville’s narrow loss to Doncaster last weekend, while the Sharks’ Campbell Tweedie, who was adjudged best afield in that game, joins him in the extended squad.

Second-year wingman Cayden Maki is another who’s good run of recent form has been rewarded with a place in the extended squad. ‘Horse’ has been in excellent touch for Mooroolbark of late, helping the Mustangs to a perfect nine-from-nine record and top spot on the EFNL Division One ladder. 

Luis D’Angelo rounds out this week’s additions. The Gippsland native has featured at VFL level already this season and, like Maki, is pushing his case for a recall with strong form for his local club.

Development prospects Max Hall, Jake Arundell, Charlie Beasley and Max Walton have all retained their places in the squad on the back of solid showings at Arden Street last week. 

The Hawks’ final 23-man squad will be confirmed at 1:00pm, with the first bounce to take place at 1:35pm. 

Ins: C. Macdonald (NEW), S. Horner, L. Wynd, M De Wit, L. D’Angelo, C. Maki (NEW), C. Tweedie (NEW)

Outs: J. Callow, C. Downie