Hawthorn has added six names to its extended squad set to face the Kangaroos this Sunday.
The Hawks will be forced to make at least two changes to the final line up, with small forward duo Cyril Rioli (knee) and Paul Puopolo (hamstring) expected to be sidelined for at least a month.
Ryan Burton has been included on the extended bench after being left out of Hawthorn’s Round 4 team, while James Worpel and Mitch Lewis could be in line to make their AFL debuts.
“Selection has been a hard task this week as we work to determine our best structure without Rioli or Puopolo,” GM-Football Graham Wright said.
“But the one positive of the injuries is that a couple of guys who have performed well at Box Hill will get an opportunity.
“There are a few guys in Burton, Brand and Langford that can offer some extra experience, and then we’ve got some young talent who have been knocking on the selection door for the past few weeks in Cousins, Worpel and Lewis.
“The final decision will be based around finding the right team balance as we prepare to face an in-form North Melbourne line up.”
Hawthorn’s final team will be announced at 5pm on Friday via hawthornfc.com.au.
ROUND 5 SQUAD
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 from: Conor Glass, Ryan Burton, Daniel Howe, James Cousins, Will Langford, James Worpel, Kaiden Brand, Mitch Lewis
IN: Ryan Burton, James Cousins, Kaiden Brand, Will Langford, Mitch Lewis, James Worpel
OUT: Cyril Rioli (knee), Paul Puopolo (hamstring)
