Premiership forward Jack Gunston and youngster Will Day are confirmed starters for Hawthorn's clash against GWS this weekend.

Gunston makes his return after spending the past month on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, while Day re-joins the side after missing last week’s game because of the AFL’s health and safety protocols.

After making his debut last week against the Western Bulldogs, mid-season rookie James Blanck has kept his place in the starting line-up.

Josh Morris, Finn Maginness, Liam Shiels and Kyle Hartigan have been named among the emergencies.

Head of Football Rob McCartney said the talented duo of Gunston and Day would provide some depth to the side. 

“We are really pleased to have Jack back fully fit, as he provides us with a lot of experience and leadership in attack,” McCartney said.

“Will has faced a bit of a stop-start campaign due to injury issues before COVID-19 ruled him out last weekend.

“Will is one of the emerging players on our list so we are keen to see him get a block of games in before the end of the year.”

Daniel Howe (omitted) and Josh Morris (medical sub) are the confirmed outs from the side that fell to the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium last Friday. 

Hawthorn will be searching for its first win in more than a month when it takes to the field on Sunday, facing the evenly placed Giants who have lost their last two games. 

ROUND 16 TEAM
Hawthorn v Greater Western Sydney
Giants Stadium
Sunday 3 July, 3.20pm

B: James Blanck, Jack Scrimshaw, Will Day
HB: Jarman Impey, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick
C: Lachlan Bramble, James Worpel, Changkuoth Jiath
HF: Luke Breust, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore
F: Jacob Koschitzke, Jack Gunston, Connor Macdonald
R: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Jaeger O’Meara
INT: Harry Morrison, Conor Nash, Tom Mitchell, Sam Butler

Emer: Josh Morris, Finn Maginness, Liam Shiels, Kyle Hartigan

In: Jack Gunston, Will Day
Out: Daniel Howe (omitted), Josh Morris (medical sub)