Star Hawks duo Will Day and Mitch Lewis will make their respective AFL returns when Hawthorn hosts Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.
Day will play his first game for the 2024 season after recovering from a foot injury he sustained in the pre-season, while Lewis will make his return after missing the last three games due to a hamstring/knee injury.
Recruit Massimo D'Ambrosio has been managed, while Henry Hustwaite has been omitted.
General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said it was exciting to be able to welcome Day back for his first game of the season.
"We are excited to have Will back in the side for the first time this season. As our reigning best and fairest Will adds a touch of class to our group,” McCartney said.
"Will’s ability to win the ball on the inside and hurt teams on the outside are attributes I’m sure all Hawks fans are eager to see again.
"He has been amazingly diligent in his rehab, and we've taken our time with his injury, but he's now ready to go."
McCartney said the experience of Lewis would also provide an added boost into the Hawks attack.
"His return provides us with a good chance for us to see three tall forwards in Mabior Chol, Mitch Lewis and Jack Gunston playing together," McCartney noted.
"He is obviously an important player for both now and into the future for us, and he can’t wait to get back out on the G."
The Hawks will proudly wear their 2024 ANZAC Guernsey on Sunday as part of the ANZAC Appeal Round. As part of this program and in continued support of The Returned and Services League, a percentage of sales from ANZAC products will be donated to the RSL's 2024 ANZAC Appeal.
The MCG will come to a standstill during the ANZAC Ceremony on Sunday, with entry into the venue, shops for food and drink etc. will all be paused as soon as the ceremony begins at 3.54pm, and will recommence at the start of the National Anthem at approximately 3.58pm.
McCartney said it was great to get back to the MCG for the club's first home game since Round 3.
"Our members have been amazing with their support of us throughout this year already," McCartney added.
"We're looking forward to seeing a lot of brown and gold fill the stands once again."
Stay across all Hawthorn's game day action across www.hawthornfc.com.au and Instagram, X and Facebook.
ROUND 7 TEAM
Hawthorn v Sydney
Sunday 28 April
MCG, 4pm
B: Jack Scrimshaw, Sam Frost, James Sicily
HB: Jai Serong, Jarman Impey, Karl Amon
C: Finn Maginness, Dylan Moore, Josh Weddle
HF: Blake Hardwick, Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash
F: Jack Ginnivan, Mabior Chol, Jack Gunston
R: Lloyd Meek, James Worpel, Cam Mackenzie
INT: Connor Macdonald, Seamus Mitchell, Mitch Lewis, Harry Morrison, Will Day
EMER: Massimo D'Ambrosio, Max Ramsden, Henry Hustwaite
IN: Will Day, Mitch Lewis
OUT: Massimo D'Ambrosio (managed), Henry Hustwaite (omitted/sub)
