GRANT Birchall will make his much-awaited return for Hawthorn’s Round 13 clash with Essendon at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
The triple-premiership player has missed the past three matches with a niggling ankle injury, which he sustained late in the Hawks' Round 8 match against Sydney Swans.
He replaces swingman Ryan Schoenmakers, who has been omitted.
The defender's inclusion is the only change for the Hawks, who have won their past three matches.
Round 13 Team
Hawthorn v Essendon
Saturday 27 June
MCG, 1.40pm
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Josh Gibson
HB: Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Bradley Hill, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis
HF: Cyril Rioli, Jack Gunston, Isaac Smith
F: David Hale, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: Jon Ceglar, Liam Shiels, Sam Mitchell
I/C: Taylor Duryea, Billy Hartung, Luke Breust, Matt Suckling
Emer: Ryan Schoenmakers, Will Langford, Teia Miles
In: Grant Birchall
Out: Ryan Schoenmakers
