Youngster Josh Ward is set to play his first AFL game in nearly two months when the Hawks host Carlton at the MCG on Sunday.
The promising midfielder headlines three inclusions for the clash with the Blues, featuring alongside forward duo Chad Wingard and Fergus Greene, who have also been recalled to the starting 22.
Jacob Koschitzke, Lachlan Bramble and Cam Mackenzie have been omitted, with the later two featuring among the four emergencies named alongside Max Ramsden and Finn Maginness.
Tyler Brockman (illness) will also not play this weekend after he was a late withdrawal on Friday from the selected squad.
Ward, who hasn't featured at AFL level since Round 8, spent three weeks on the sidelines dealing with a foot injury.
The 19-year-old returned through the VFL a month ago and has played three games for Box Hill around the mid-season bye, averaging 29 disposals and 4.3 tackles during that time.
The former Pick 7 was named among Box Hill's best in its loss to Gold Coast last week, amassing 38 disposals – 12 more than any other player on the ground – after collecting 28 disposals and six tackles against Brisbane before the week off.
Greene will also make his return after producing another strong effort in the VFL last week where he kicked three goals.
The 25-year-old kicked 11 goals from eight AFL games before returning back to Box Hill, and also hasn't featured in a senior game since Round 8.
Meanwhile, veteran forward Wingard rounds out the ins after overcoming a lingering calf complaint.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said the club was excited to welcome the trio back at the MCG on Sunday.
"Having Josh back in the side is really pleasing. He has produced some impressive form in the VFL, including last week where he was Box Hill's clear standout," McCartney said.
"After playing 14 games in his debut year, Josh played seven of the first eight games of 2023 and we're now looking forward to seeing how he will continue his development in the second half of the season.
"Fergus is another one who has impressed the VFL to earn another AFL opportunity, kicking 11 goals from five games with Box Hill.
"Having Chad back is also a huge boost, he is one of our most experienced heads, so his knowledge and leadership will be invaluable when we face a strong Carlton outfit."
This weekend's match will be the club's second Dare to Hope Match in partnership with Pancare Foundation, to raise awareness and funds for Dare to Hope: Paul Dear Pancreatic Cancer Fund.
Stay tuned across Instagram and Twitter for game updates, with further match content available on www.hawthornfc.com.au.
ROUND 16 TEAM
Hawthorn v Carlton
Sunday 2 July
MCG, 1.10pm AEST
B: Jarman Impey, James Blanck, Jack Scrimshaw
HB: Seamus Mitchell, Sam Frost, Blake Hardwick
C: Josh Weddle, Will Day, Karl Amon
HF: James Worpel, Connor Macdonald, Conor Nash
F: Luke Breust, Mitch Lewis, Lloyd Meek
R: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Dylan Moore
INT: Sam Butler, Chad Wingard, Fergus Greene, Josh Ward
Emer: Lachlan Bramble, Finn Maginess, Max Ramsden, Cam Mackenzie
In: Chad Wingard, Fergus Greene, Josh Ward
Out: Jacob Koschitzke (omitted), Lachlan Bramble (omitted), Cam Mackenzie (omitted), Tyler Brockman (illness)
