Midfielder Conor Nash has been named in the starting 22 for Hawthorn's clash against Sydney at the SCG.
Nash is a confirmed starter for Sunday's game after being named as the medical substitute in last week's loss to Essendon.
The 24-year-old played limited game time after coming into the game in the third quarter, replacing forward Jacob Koschitzke.
Nash produced a career-best year in 2022 as he pushed further into the midfield, averaging 15.5 disposals and more than four tackles across his 21 games.
Experienced forward Chad Wingard is the sole out for this weekend's clash after being ruled out earlier this week due to a calf injury.
Sam Butler, Jack Scrimshaw, Denver Grainger-Barras and Tyler Brockman make up the club’s emergency list for Round 2, with one of those players to be named the medical sub one hour prior to the match.
Hawthorn will be searching for its first win for the season when the club takes on last season's grand finalists.
Sunday's game marks the first time the Hawks have played at the SCG since Round 13 2021, where the club took home a 38-point win over Sydney, which also coincided with young gun Jai Newcombe's debut game.
Head of Football Rob McCartney said the team was determined to deliver a strong performance after a disappointing outing against the Bombers.
“It's exciting to add Conor into our line-up, he provides us with some extra grunt and tackling pressure through the middle," McCartney said.
"Conor has a great team-first mentality and through the pre-season has continued to build his reputation as a midfielder who has a physical presence.
"After having come on late into the match last week, we're looking forward to seeing what Conor can do with more game time.
"We know playing Sydney on their home deck will be a huge test for our young group, but we’re looking forward to the challenge."
The game will begin at 1.10pm and will be televised live on Fox Footy and Kayo.
Stay tuned across Instagram and Twitter for game updates, with further match content available on www.hawthornfc.com.au.
ROUND 2 TEAM
Hawthorn v Sydney
Sunday 26 March, 1.10pm AEDT
SCG
FB: Blake Hardwick, James Blanck, Jarman Impey
HB: Will Day, Sam Frost, James Sicily
C: Lachlan Bramble, Cam Mackenzie, Karl Amon
HF: James Worpel, Jacob Koschitzke, Finn Maginness
FF: Dylan Moore, Fergus Greene, Luke Breust
R: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward
INT: Changkuoth Jiath, Conor Nash, Lloyd Meek, Connor Macdonald
Emer: Tyler Brockman, Jack Scrimshaw, Sam Butler, Denver Grainger-Barras
IN: Conor Nash (medical sub)
OUT: Chad Wingard (calf)
