Hawthorn ruckman Max Lynch will play his first game of the season after being named in the side's starting 22 ahead of the club's clash against Adelaide.
Lynch will make his return for the ANZAC Round match-up at UTAS Stadium on Sunday for his first senior appearance since Round 23 of last year.
The 24-year-old has been the dominant ruck for Box Hill in the VFL while also showing his ability to push forward and impact the scoreboard in recent weeks.
Hawthorn Head of Football Rob McCartney said it was pleasing to welcome Lynch back into the side after having battled an injury-plagued campaign last year.
“Max has had to demonstrate both persistence and resilience to fight his way back into the AFL team after an injury interrupted season last year," McCartney said.
"He’s definitely been a strong performer in the VFL competition, having been the dominant ruckman in the three games he has played this year.
"He’s a mobile big man and we believe he can play a role for us both in the ruck and as a forward target.”
Meanwhile, veteran Chad Wingard has also been named to play after being subbed out of last week's game against GWS following a nasty collision that resulted in him requiring surgery on his tongue.
Lloyd Meek (omitted) and Josh Ward (managed) are the confirmed outs following last Sunday's narrow two-point loss, with both players making up the emergency list alongside Finn Maginness and Jack Scrimshaw.
The medical substitute will be named one hour prior to the first bounce.
Hawthorn is searching for its second win for the season following a victorious trip to Tasmania in Round 3 over North Melbourne.
The Hawks have edged out the Crows in two of their last three encounters, including the most recent clash between the two sides in Round 17 last year.
Hawthorn will also be hosting an open training session on Saturday from 4.30pm at UTAS Stadium, with all fans encouraged to attend.
Stay tuned across Instagram and Twitter for game updates, with further match content available on www.hawthornfc.com.au.
ROUND 6 TEAM
Hawthorn v Adelaide Crows
Sunday 23 April
University of Tasmania Stadium, 1.10pm (AEST)
B: Changkuoth Jiath, Denver Grainger-Barras, Sam Frost
HB: Jarman Impey, Blake Hardwick, James Sicily
C: Conor Nash, James Worpel, Karl Amon
HF: Harry Morrison, Dylan Moore, Connor Macdonald
F: Chad Wingard, Fergus Greene, Luke Breust
R: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Ned Long
INT: Cam Mackenzie, Seamus Mitchell, Tyler Brockman, Max Lynch
In: Max Lynch
Out: Lloyd Meek (omitted), Josh Ward (managed)
