HAWTHORN has made a late change to the side which will take on Collingwood at the MCG today.

Ben McEvoy has withdrawn with a back soreness, with Marc Pittonet to take his place in the Hawks’ team.

GM of Football Operations Chris Fagan said it had been a big week for McEvoy with the birth of his first child.

“Ben has had a bit of back soreness and a disjointed week with the birth of his first child.”

“We decided not to risk him, but we expect him to be fine to play in our first final in two weeks.”

McEvoy has played every game in 2016 until this point, shouldering the ruck duties with Jonathon Ceglar who will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.

Pittonet has played two games this year in his second season at the club.

His last game was against Essendon in Round 12, where he impressed with his physicality and aggression in the contest – evidenced by the seven tackles he laid on the night.

The Hawks will be looking to secure a top four finish against the Pies, with a potential qualifying final against Geelong awaiting Hawthorn in the first week of the finals.

Today’s game will kick off at 3.20pm AEST.