MATT Spangher will make his long-awaited senior return for Hawthorn this weekend.
The Hawks have made one change for Saturday afternoon’s clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, recalling swingman Spangher in place of defender Kaiden Brand (omitted).
Since starring in the Hawks’ 2014 premiership triumph, Spangher has played just four AFL matches.
The 29-year-old returns for his first senior match since Round 17 last year.
“It’s really exciting to have Spang back in the side,” Hawthorn GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan told hawthornfc.com.au.
“He’s played four consecutive games for Box Hill Hawks now after an injury-interrupted pre-season with a calf injury.
“He’s been in really good form in his last couple of games, forcing his way back into the side, and he gives us some real flexibility with his ability to play as a key forward or key defender.
“Spang has done a fair training block – under the guidance of Head Fitness Coach Andrew Russell – to build his calf strength and hopefully prevent the injury reoccurring so he can string together a consistent block of matches.”
Brand, Daniel Howe and Teia Miles have been named as the Hawks’ emergencies.
The match also marks Jordan Lewis’ 250th at AFL level.
Lewis made his debut in Round 3, 2015, after being recruited by the Hawks with pick seven in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft.
The 30-year-old has played in four premierships (2008, 2013, 2014 and 2015), has won the Peter Crimmins Medal (2014) and All Australian selection (2014).
Lewis will lead the Hawks for the 23rd time as stand-in skipper on Saturday, in the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round match against the Lions.
ROUND 10 TEAM
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn
Saturday 28 May, 1.45pm
The Gabba
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: Jon Ceglar, Sam Mitchell, Liam Shiels
Int: Will Langford, Matt Spangher, Billy Hartung, Ben McEvoy
Emer: Kaiden Brand, Daniel Howe, Teia Miles
In: Matt Spangher
Out: Kaiden Brand (omitted)
Milestone: Jordan Lewis – 250th AFL game
