Hawthorn has finalised its side that will face the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Youngster Teia Miles will return to the senior side for his first appearance since Round 3 this year, and just the third AFL game of his career.
Miles will replace veteran Luke Hodge, who was handed a one-week suspension by the tribunal for striking Sydney’s Tom Papley.
Miles has been in impressive form at VFL level and GM – Football Operations Jason Burt said the 21-year-old has well and truly earned his opportunity.
“Teia has been in really good form for Box Hill, he kicked five goals last week and has earned his opportunity at AFL level,” Burt said.
“Teia will take a lot of confidence from his recent form in the VFL and we are excited about what he can bring to our side.”
Despite being named in the Hawks’ 25-man squad, three-time premiership player Paul Puopolo is set to return via the VFL.
“Poppy has missed a lot of footy this season so returning through VFL will give him the opportunity to build up his match fitness,” Burt said.
Ty Vickery, Puopolo and Kurt Heatherley have been named as emergencies.
ROUND 20 TEAM
Richmond v Hawthorn
MCG
Sunday 6 August, 3.20pm
B: Taylor Duryea, Kaiden Brand, Jack Gunston
HB: Ryan Burton, James Sicily, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Liam Shiels, Tom Mitchell, Conor Glass
HF: Billy Hartung, Tim O’Brien, Isaac Smith
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Ryan Schoenmakers
R: Ben McEvoy, Will Langford, Daniel Howe
INT: Blake Hardwick, Ricky Henderson, Teia Miles, Brendan Whitecross
Emergencies: Ty Vickery, Paul Puopolo, Kurt Heatherley.
