HAWTHORN has made four changes for its blockbuster match against Richmond on Friday night at the MCG.
Midfielder Liam Shiels and defenders James Frawley, Ben Stratton and Taylor Duryea have all recovered from injury in time to take on the Tigers.
Injuries have ruled out Matt Spangher (hamstring) and Matt Suckling (hamstring soreness), while Angus Litherland and Jonathan O’Rourke have both been omitted.
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said Suckling’s withdrawal had been precautionary, while Litherland and O’Rourke were both unlucky to make way.
“Matt was a bit sore at training today, and as a precaution we’re not going to play him,” Fagan said.
“Jonathan and Angus have performed really well when they have had an opportunity at AFL level.
“Their time will come – and we have great confidence that we can call on them to come back into the team and play their role at any time in the future.”
It’s the fourth time the Hawks – who have won their past eight matches – have made four changes this season
Shiels and Stratton both return after a week on the sidelines, while Duryea will return from a two-week layoff.
Frawley played the first half of Box Hill Hawks’ VFL match on Sunday to prove his fitness, after missing a month with a shoulder injury.
Friday night’s match against the fifth-placed Tigers is massively important for both sides.
A win for the third-placed Hawks will boost their chances of a top-two finish, while the Tigers will be desperate to win as they chase a top-four finish.
The match will mark Alastair Clarkson’s 250th AFL match as Hawthorn coach.
It will also be Shaun Burgoyne’s 50th consecutive AFL game, with his streak dating back to Round 19, 2013.
Round 18 Team
Hawthorn v Richmond
MCG
Friday 31 July
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Sam Mitchell
HB: Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Josh Gibson
C: Bradley Hill, Shaun Burgoyne, Isaac Smith
HF: Cyril Rioli, Ryan Schoenmakers, Liam Shiels
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: David Hale, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Paul Puopolo, Billy Hartung, Taylor Duryea, Ben McEvoy
Emer: Jed Anderson, Angus Litherland, Jonathan O’Rourke
In: James Frawley, Ben Stratton, Liam Shiels, Taylor Duryea
Out: Matt Spangher (hamstring), Matt Suckling (hamstring soreness), Angus Litherland (omitted), Jonathan O’Rourke (omitted)
Milestone: Alastair Clarkson – coaching 250th AFL game
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