HAWTHORN has named another debutant for Saturday’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
First-year midfielder Kade Stewart will play his first AFL game, after being upgraded from the club’s rookie list on Thursday afternoon.
The 19-year-old West Australian follows in the footsteps of fellow 2016 debutants, Kieran Lovell, Kaiden Brand and Marc Pittonet.
Stewart is one of two inclusions for the Hawks, alongside Daniel Howe.
The duo replaces Matt Spangher (hamstring) and Will Langford (managed).
STEWART: It’s a dream come true
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said Stewart thoroughly deserved his opportunity.
“Kade has just been really consistent at Box Hill with his performance levels and his effort,” Fagan said.
“He’s probably been one of the best tacklers going around in the VFL, and with his attack on the ball.
“We think he’s a really good like-for-like replacement for Will, they have a lot of similar qualities.”
The South Fremantle product joined the Hawks with pick 26 in last year’s Rookie Draft.
The tough, skilful left-footer has averaged 14.7 disposals and 6.1 tackles per game at VFL level, and kicked seven goals from six games.
MATCH PREVIEW: Hawks v Demons
Fagan said the Hawks expected Langford to only miss this week.
“He’s had a few bumps and bruises over the last couple of weeks, and we just wanted to give him a break for this week,” he said.
It’s a game with multiple milestones for the Hawks.
#Gibbo200: Josh Gibson talks premierships and key forwards
Defender Josh Gibson will play his 200th AFL match, while Jack Gunston will play his 100th match for Hawthorn.
ROUND 11 TEAM
Hawthorn v Melbourne
Saturday 4 June, 1.45pm
MCG
B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Jordan Lewis, Bradley Hill
HF: Luke Breust, Tim O’Brien, Jack Gunston
F: Paul Puopolo, James Sicily, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Jonathon Ceglar, Sam Mitchell, Liam Shiels
Int: Daniel Howe, Kade Stewart, Billy Hartung, Ben McEvoy
Emer: Kaiden Brand, Teia Miles, Angus Litherland
In: Daniel Howe, Kade Stewart
Out: Matt Spangher (hamstring), Will Langford (managed)
New: Kade Stewart
Milestones: Josh Gibson – 200 AFL games, Jack Gunston – 100 club games
