Hawthorn has confirmed two changes to its Round 5 side, with Ryan Burton and James Cousins set for an AFL return.
Burton’s VFL stint was short lived; the 21-year-old responded well to being left out of Hawthorn’s Round 4 side, collecting 24 touches and booting two goals while playing at half back.
Meanwhile, Cousins has arguably been Box Hill’s best player across the opening two rounds, averaging 28 disposals and two goals.
The gutsy midfielder managed three consecutive AFL games after making his debut in Round 10 last year, before a shoulder injury prematurely ended his season.
The pair will replace injured forward duo Cyril Rioli (knee) and Paul Puopolo (hamstring), while Will Langford, James Worpel, Kaiden Brand and Mitch Lewis will serve as emergencies.
ROUND 5 TEAM
Hawthorn v North Melbourne
Etihad Stadium
Sunday 22 April, 3.20pm
B: David Mirra, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Taylor Duryea, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick
C: Isaac Smith, Jaeger O’Meara, Harry Morrison
HF: Luke Breust, Tim O’Brien, Jack Gunston
F: Jarman Impey, Jarryd Roughead, Ricky Henderson
R: Ben McEvoy, Tom Mitchell, Liam Shiels
INT: Conor Glass, Ryan Burton, Daniel Howe, James Cousins,
Emer: Will Langford, James Worpel, Kaiden Brand, Mitch Lewis
IN: Ryan Burton, James Cousins
OUT: Cyril Rioli (knee), Paul Puopolo (hamstring)
