Hawthorn has made four changes as the club prepares to take on the GWS Giants at Norwood Oval on Sunday.
As announced earlier today, youngster Seamus Mitchell will get his chance at the top level in the league’s highly anticipated Gather Round, making him the second brown and gold AFL debutant this year.
Taken with Pick 29 in the 2020 national draft, the 20-year-old defender caught the match committee's eye following some recent impressive form in the VFL with Box Hill.
Denver Grainger-Barras and Ned Long will both play their first games for the season, while Chad Wingard also re-joins the starting 22 after having been used as the substitute in last week's loss to Geelong.
Will Day (suspension), Jack Scrimshaw (toe), and Finn Maginness (omitted) are the confirmed outs, while youngster Cam Mackenzie will be the side’s substitute on Sunday.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said it was pleasing to welcome the three additions into the team as the Hawks prepare to travel to Adelaide.
"Denver had some great exposure last year playing on some experienced key forwards, so we're looking forward to seeing him continue his development," McCartney said.
"He's a real competitor that thrives on the contest, we love the way he goes about it.
"Ned finds his way back into the side after making his AFL debut in the final game of last year.
"Since then he has continued to make solid progression throughout this year in both the pre-season and in the VFL to set himself up with another opportunity at the top level.
"And, as announced earlier today, we're so thrilled to have Seamus make his debut.
"His opportunity is a great story of resilience having battled through several injuries last year to now playing some outstanding footy in the VFL.
"He will be the second debutant for our club this season and excitement surrounds the opportunity of seeing another new player take to the field for the brown and gold."
Sunday's game marks the first time the club has played at Norwood Oval, with the game to commence at 3.20pm (AEST) and will be televised live on Channel 7.
Hawthorn will also be hosting an open training session on Saturday from 2pm (ACST) at Norwood Oval in Adelaide, with fans in the state encouraged to attend.
Stay tuned across Instagram and Twitter for game updates, with further match content available on www.hawthornfc.com.au.
ROUND 5 TEAM
GWS v Hawthorn
Sunday 16 April
3.20pm AEST (2.50pm ACST), Norwood Oval
B: James Sicily, Sam Frost, Changkuoth Jiath
HB: Harry Morrison, Blake Hardwick, Jarman Impey
C: Karl Amon, Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward
HF: Luke Breust, Chad Wingard, Tyler Brockman
F: Connor Macdonald, Fergus Greene, Dylan Moore
R: Ned Reeves, James Worpel, Conor Nash
INT: Ned Long, Seamus Mitchell, Denver Grainger-Barras, Lloyd Meek
In: Denver Grainger-Barras, Seamus Mitchell, Ned Long, Chad Wingard
Out: Will Day (suspension), Jack Scrimshaw (toe), Finn Maginness (omitted)
