MIDFIELDER Isaac Smith has overcome a knee injury and will line-up in Hawthorn’s blockbuster qualifying final clash with West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium on Friday night.
Smith injured his knee against Carlton in Round 23, but has recovered in time to play.
The Hawks have made three changes to their side, with skipper Luke Hodge returning alongside dangerous small forwards Cyril Rioli and Luke Breust.
The trio replaces Angus Litherland, James Sicily and Daniel Howe from the team which defeated Carlton in Round 23.
Howe is one of three emergencies for the Hawks, alongside Billy Hartung and Jon Ceglar.
Between Hodge, Rioli and Breust, the Hawks will welcome back 532 games of AFL experience.
Breust and Rioli are both among the Hawks’ top four goalkickers this season, combining for 80 majors throughout the home-and-away season.
Hodge, who has averaged almost 27 disposals per game during the 2015 home-and-away season, will bolster the Hawks’ midfield.
The match will be Shaun Burgoyne’s 28th AFL final, taking him into equal sixth spot in the history of the game for finals played, level with Jason Akermanis, Gary Ayres, Bill Hutchison and Chris Mew.
Qualifying Final - Team
West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn
Domain Stadium
Friday 11 September, 6.20pm AWST
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Taylor Duryea
HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Luke Hodge, Bradley Hill
HF: Jack Gunston, James Frawley, Cyril Rioli
F: David Hale, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Paul Puopolo, Matt Suckling, Will Langford, Liam Shiels
Emer: Daniel Howe, Billy Hartung, Jon Ceglar
In: Luke Hodge, Cyril Rioli, Luke Breust
Out: Angus Litherland, James Sicily, Daniel Howe (all omitted)
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