Hawthorn is set to welcome back Grant Birchall and Chad Wingard to its line-up as the side prepares to take on Fremantle at UTAS Stadium on Saturday.
Birchall has not featured at AFL level for over two years, while Wingard has missed the past month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
There will be an added element of excitement for Birchall, with the Tasmanian native making his comeback in front of a home crowd.
GM – Football Graham Wright said it was a big boost for the team to welcome back the talented duo.
“Birch has had to work extremely hard and endure a number of challenges over the past two years,” Wright said.
“For him to finally get back to AFL level is a massive effort. We’re really pleased for him.
“Chad has also been very committed to his rehab over the past month and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in the remainder of the season.”
Hawks Vice-Captain Jack Gunston will miss the Dockers clash after picking up a minor leg injury in last week’s win over Collingwood.
Defender Conor Glass has also been left out of the side after playing the last seven senior games.
ROUND 17 TEAM
Hawthorn v Fremantle
Saturday 13th July, 2.10pm
UTAS Stadium
B: Tim O’Brien, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne
HB: Ben Stratton, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick
C: Ricky Henderson, Daniel Howe, Liam Shiels
HF: Luke Breust, Chad Wingard, Paul Puopolo
F: Conor Nash, Mitchell Lewis, Jarman Impey
R: Ben McEvoy, Jaeger O’Meara, Isaac Smith
INT: Grant Birchall, Tom Scully, James Worpel, Oliver Hanrahan
Emer: Harrison Jones, Conor Glass, James Cousins, Jonathon Ceglar
In: Birchall, Wingard
Out: Glass (omitted), Gunston (injured)
