Hawthorn will welcome defender Grant Birchall back into its line-up following his one-game absence last week.
Birchall will replace fellow backman Jarman Impey who ruptured his ACL against Geelong in Round 18.
This will be Birchall’s second appearance of the season after making his return against Fremantle a fortnight ago.
GM – Football Graham Wright said the club is buoyed by the return of Birchall who performed impressively in the Dockers clash, finishing with 21 disposals and eight marks.
“Birch is really excited to be back in the side this week after missing the Cats game,” Wright said.
“He was pretty close last week but we just didn’t want to take any risks with him given his history.
“It’s obviously very disappointing to lose Jarman but we think Birch will be a more than capable replacement in our back six.”
Hawthorn will be looking to overcome the second-placed Brisbane this weekend in order to keep its season alive.
ROUND 19 TEAM
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Saturday 27th July, 1.45pm
UTas
B: Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Shaun Burgoyne, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick
C: Tom Scully, Daniel Howe, Ricky Henderson
HF: Luke Breust, Tim O’Brien, Paul Puopolo
F: Oliver Hanrahan, Mitchell Lewis, Liam Shiels
R: Ben McEvoy, Jaeger O’Meara, James Worpel
INT: Chad Wingard, Jack Gunston, Conor Nash, Isaac Smith
In: Birchall
Out: Impey (knee)
