HAWTHORN has named a near full strength squad for Thursday night’s final NAB Challenge game against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
The Hawks have named 20 premiership players in the 27-man squad, including skipper Luke Hodge, Cyril Rioli, Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Roughead and Sam Mitchell.
GM – Football Operations, Chris Fagan revealed to hawthornfc.com.au on Monday the Hawks will be naming the strongest possible team as the Hawks enter the final stages of preparation for Round 1.
Premiership players Grant Birchall and Matt Spangher don’t feature in the squad as they continue to make their return from injury, while David Hale has not been selected after having a hit-out against North Melbourne in the second pre-season game.
Despite making his return to football via the VFL last Saturday, Brendan Whitecross has not been selected.
Premiership ruckman Ben McEvoy will shoulder the ruck duties with emerging ruckman Jonathon Ceglar against the young Saints, as Alastair Clarkson assesses his plethora of ruck options for Round 1.
Exciting youngsters Angus Litherland, Jed Anderson, Billy Hartung and James Sicily, meanwhile have been named as they continue to press their case for a spot in the Easter Monday Round 1 team.
Recruit James Frawley has also been picked for his third game in his new colours, while Jonathan O’Rourke will feature for the second time for the Hawks.
After making a slow start at his new club, Frawley was among Hawthorn’s better players against North Melbourne, as was O’Rourke who impressed with 11 disposals and two goals.
The 27-man squad will be trimmed to 24 90 minutes prior to the match.
NAB Challenge game 3
St Kilda v Hawthorn
Thursday 19 March
Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm
2. J.Roughead
3. J.Lewis
4. M. Suckling
5. S.Mitchell
6. J.Gibson
7. B.McEvoy
8. T.Duryea
9. S.Burgoyne
10. B.Hill
12. J.Frawley
13. J.ORourke
15. L.Hodge
16. I.Smith
17. B.Lake
18. J.Ceglar
19. J.Gunston
21. J.Sicily
22. L.Breust
24. B.Stratton
26. L.Shiels
28. P.Puopolo
29. W.Langford
31. A.Litherland
32. J.Simpkin
33. C.Rioli
37. J.Anderson
40. B.Hartung
Changes from game two team:
IN: McEvoy, Sicily, Langford, Litherland, Simpkin
OUT: Hale, Pittonet, Woodward, Howe
