After months on the sidelines due to injury, Mitch Lewis will return for his first game of the year on Saturday when Hawthorn takes on the Western Bulldogs.
The exciting forward is a confirmed starter while Will Day will make his return following a two-match ban in addition to second-year Hawk Josh Ward who also re-joins the starting 22.
As announced earlier today, debutants Max Ramsden and Josh Weddle add to the inclusions for the Hawks.
Lewis shapes as a welcome addition to the side after recovering from a knee injury that he sustained during the pre-season.
The 24-year-old managed 37 goals from 15 AFL games in 2022, and hasn't played a senior game since Round 20.
Day re-enters the team after a two-game suspension which saw him miss Hawthorn's last two narrow losses against GWS and Adelaide.
Meanwhile, Ramsden and Weddle have earned their first chances on the big stage, with the young duo set to make their debuts.
The confirmed outs include Max Lynch (concussion), Jack Scrimshaw (substitute) alongside Denver Grainger-Barras, Connor Macdonald, Cam Mackenzie and Ned Long who have been omitted.
Scrimshaw, Macdonald, Mackenzie and Grainger-Barras will serve as the emergencies.
Head of Football Rob McCartney said Lewis’ return would provide a huge boost to a young Hawks side.
"Mitch is a huge part of our future, he leads from the front and provides a great energy within the group,” McCartney said.
“He has worked hard in ticking off every box required of him during his rehabilitation period and we're excited to have him back playing footy again."
McCartney added that the inclusion of the two debutants has added some excitement around the football club as the side prepares to take on the Dogs.
"We're really pleased to see both Josh and Max earn their opportunities in the senior side after some impressive form in the VFL with Box Hill," McCartney said.
"They have both made some huge strides forward since joining the club last year and we're thrilled to see them now compete at AFL level."
The match will be broadcast live Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, with the first bounce set for 4.35pm.
ROUND 7 TEAM
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Marvel Stadium, 4.35pm
B: Jarman Impey, Sam Frost, James Sicily
HB: Changkuoth Jiath, Blake Hardwick, Josh Weddle
C: Karl Amon, Josh Ward, Conor Nash
HF: Harry Morrison, Max Ramsden, Luke Breust
F: Chad Wingard, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore
R: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel
INT: Seamus Mitchell, Tyler Brockman, Will Day, Fergus Greene
Emer: Connor Macdonald, Jack Scrimshaw, Cam Mackenzie, Denver Grainger-Barras
In: Mitch Lewis, Josh Weddle, Max Ramsden, Will Day, Josh Ward
Out: Denver Grainger-Barras (omitted), Connor Macdonald (omitted), Cam Mackenzie (omitted), Ned Long (omitted), Max Lynch (concussion), Jack Scrimshaw (sub)
