Hawthorn has made one change for its Elimination Final against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night at the MCG.

Midfielder Josh Ward makes his return to the team after amassing 25 disposals, six tackles and kicking a goal in Box Hill's Elimination Final loss to Williamstown last weekend. 

Ward replaces fellow on-baller Cam Mackenzie, who has been ruled out of Friday night's do-or-die clash after sustaining a low-grade hamstring injury during the Hawks' main training session on Wednesday. 

Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said it was a great opportunity for Ward and his teammates to shine on the big stage. 

“Josh is excited to get his opportunity to play in a final at the MCG on Friday night," McCartney said.

“He was a key performer in the VFL Final last week and has demonstrated this year that he can make the transition from VFL to AFL with impact.

“Like a number of our young, emerging group, Josh is ready to experience finals footy in front of the brown and gold faithful.” 

ELIMINATION FINAL TEAM
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn
Friday 6 September
MCG, 7.40pm 

In: Josh Ward
Out: Cam Mackenzie (injured) 

B: James Sicily, Sam Frost, Jarman Impey 
HB: Massimo D'Ambrosio, Jack Scrimshaw, Finn Maginness 
C: Connor Macdonald, Dylan Moore, Josh Ward 
HF: Karl Amon, Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan 
F: Calsher Dear, Jack Gunston, Luke Breust
R: Lloyd Meek, James Worpel, Jai Newcombe 

INT: Josh Weddle, Harry Morrison, Conor Nash, Blake Hardwick, Nick Watson 

EMER: Jai Serong, Changkuoth Jiath, Ned Reeves