The Hawks will welcome two first-gamers to the field in Tasmania this Sunday, with youngsters Ned Long and Jack Saunders named to make their debut against the Western Bulldogs.

Long joined Hawthorn with Pick 5 in the 2021 rookie draft. The 19-year-old is a strong-bodied midfielder with great endurance and an ability to push forward and impact the scoreboard.

20-year-old Saunders took a similar route to the top level, snapped up by the Hawks with Pick 4 in the 2020 rookie draft.

Head of Football Rob McCartney said he was thrilled for the young pair to get a chance in the senior side. 

“It’s really exciting to blood our seventh and eighth debutants for the season,” McCartney said.

“Ned and Jack have earned their spots off the back of a string of consistent performances at VFL level, and we are looking forward to seeing them make the most of their opportunity.”

Long has impressed for Box Hill across 13 games this year, averaging 14.3 disposals and 5.7 tackles per game.

“We have been really pleased with Ned’s development throughout his first season at the club,” McCartney said.

"He has been named an emergency on a number of occasions this season, so he's certainly been amongst the conversation for senior selection, but we're rapt to see him break through and earn that spot this week.

“For a teenager, Ned boasts a great size and has a terrific engine so we think those traits will hold him in good stead on the AFL stage.”

Saunders has also been among Box Hill’s stand-out performers this year, but has burst into contention in the last month, averaging 20.3 touches and 7.3 marks in his last three games as well as booting five majors in that period.

“After coming across from South Australia, Jack has showed a lot of patience in his journey to reach his debut game and it is very well deserved,” McCartney said.

“Jack’s athleticism is a real strength of his, through a combination of speed and endurance, and I’m sure our fans will enjoy seeing what he has to offer on Sunday.”

Long and Saunders will be Hawthorn’s seventh and eighth debutants in 2022. They join Josh Ward, Connor Macdonald, Jackson Callow, Sam Butler, James Blanck and Jai Serong in pulling on the brown and gold for the first time.

The long list of first-gamers follows eight debutants in 2021 - which was the second most of any AFL team.

Hawthorn’s full team to take on the Dogs this Sunday will be released Friday at 5pm at www.hawthornfc.com.au.