HAWTHORN has recalled a host of big names for its final NAB Challenge match, against North Melbourne, at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The Hawks’ 27-man squad features 18 of the 19 2015 premiership players remaining at the club – minus injured vice-captain Jarryd Roughead.

Key forward Jack Gunston comes into the squad for his first NAB Challenge match of 2016 after overcoming a shin injury, as has ruckman Jonathon Ceglar.

Cyril Rioli has also been named to play, after sustaining a corked calf in the Hawks’ NAB Challenge 2 loss to Richmond a fortnight ago.

Assistant Coach Cameron Bruce will take the reins.

The young Hawks’ side which lost to the Tigers has been bolstered by a wealth of experience and leadership.

It’s the Hawks’ strongest available line-up, says GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan.

With plenty of competition for spots ahead of Round 1 against Geelong on Easter Monday, Fagan said the match against North Melbourne was a great opportunity to build on the team’s preparation.

“We’re looking to ramp up our performance levels,” Fagan said.

“It’s our last hit-out against an opposition team before the season, so we’ve selected our best available team.”

“We’re playing a really good side in North Melbourne, we’re really happy that we get that opportunity and it should be a good contest – no doubt they will have the same sort of agenda.”

Have you signed on for 2016? Want to receive your card before Round 1? Our membership team will be outside Gate 5 on Saturday from 5pm.

Midfield generals Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell are back, as are small forward Luke Breust, wingman Isaac Smith and defender Ben Stratton.

However, there is still plenty of young talent in the squad, which features key defender Kaiden Brand, draftee Blake Hardwick, forward James Sicily and midfielder Jonathan O’Rourke.

The Hawks’ squad of 27 players will be reduced to the final 24 before Saturday’s match.

SQUAD - NAB CHALLENGE 3

Hawthorn v North Melbourne
Etihad Stadium
Saturday 12 March
7.10pm