Hawthorn has made two changes ahead of its Round 8 fixture against the Lions.
Fresh from the news he has been upgraded to Hawthorn’s senior list, Jack Fitzpatrick returns to AFL level for the first time since the 2016 semi-final. He will be joined in Saturday’s clash by versatile defender Ricky Henderson, while Grant Birchall (knee) and James Sicily (omitted) are set to miss.
According to GM-Football Operations Jason Burt, Fitzpatrick has earnt his selection through hard work on the track and several strong performances at VFL level.
“Jack has had a fantastic month of footy,” says Burt.
“It is great that he is being rewarded with not only an upgrade to the senior list but his first game of senior footy for 2017 too.
“He’s kicked nine goals in four games and has been among the best for Box Hill in each of their wins, so we look forward to seeing what he can produce this weekend.”
Henderson has also been a solid contributor at VFL level, responding superbly following his omission from the AFL side after its Round 4 loss to Geelong.
“Ricky has also had some really positive performances in the VFL,” says Burt.
“He was a solid performer at senior level earlier in the season, and since going back to the VFL, he has applied himself really well and is seeing reward for his effort.”
ROUND 8 TEAM
Hawthorn v Brisbane
UTAS Stadium
Saturday 13th May, 1.45pm
B: Blake Hardwick, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Ryan Burton, Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge
C: Isaac Smith, Tom Mitchell, Billy Hartung
HF: Luke Breust, Tim O’Brien, Jack Gunston
F: Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
R: Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne
INT: Jack Fitzpatrick, Daniel Howe, Will Langford, Ricky Henderson
Emer: James Sicily, Kade Stewart, Kaiden Brand
IN: Fitzpatrick, Henderson
OUT: Birchall (knee), Sicily (omitted)
