HAWTHORN has made three changes to take on Brisbane Lions at Aurora Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Midfielder Will Langford, ruckman David Hale and forward James Sicily all return to the Hawks’ line-up.
Langford returns on the back of two strong VFL performances, after overcoming a knee injury, for his first AFL match since Round 14.
Hale returns after missing the Hawks’ loss against Port Adelaide with general soreness, while 20-year-old Sicily has been promoted to play his second AFL match.
“James really deserves his opportunity after kicking eight goals at VFL level last week, and David is a welcome addition after training well this week,” GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said.
“Will returns from a medial injury and his energy and effort around the packs will also be important.”
The trio replaces Luke Hodge, Paul Puopolo and Ryan Schoenmakers.
Hodge will miss through suspension, while Puopolo is out with an ankle injury and Schoenmakers has been omitted.
“Paul rolled his ankle and he was nearly okay to play, but we have decided to give him a spell to get his ankle right,” Fagan said.
“Ryan is unlucky after performing well last week against the Power – he’s missed out due to team balance, with David Hale coming back to play in the ruck alongside Ben McEvoy.”
The match will also mark forward Jack Gunston’s 100th at AFL level.
The 23-year-old was originally recruited by Adelaide, before joining Hawthorn prior to the 2012 season.
FEATURE: Jack Gunston to play 100th AFL match
Gunston played 14 matches for the Crows, and has played 85 for the Hawks.
Round 22 Team
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Aurora Stadium
Saturday 29 August, 2.10pm
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Josh Gibson
HB: Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Bradley Hill, Sam Mitchell, Isaac Smith
HF: Cyril Rioli, Jack Gunston, Liam Shiels
F: David Hale, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Will Langford, Jordan Lewis
I/C: James Sicily, Matt Suckling, Taylor Duryea, Billy Hartung
Emer: Daniel Howe, Brendan Whitecross, Ryan Schoenmakers
In: David Hale, Will Langford, James Sicily
Out: Luke Hodge (suspension), Paul Puopolo (ankle), Ryan Schoenmakers (omitted)
Milestone: Jack Gunston – 100 AFL games
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