HAWTHORN has made not one, but two changes for Sunday’s Round 14 match against Gold Coast Suns at Aurora Stadium.

As announced on Thursday night, skipper Luke Hodge will return from injury for his first AFL match since Round 6.

WATCH: Hodge can’t wait to return

He will be joined in the 22 by key defender Kaiden Brand, who has been recalled for his third AFL match.

Cyril Rioli will miss due to a family funeral, while young midfielder Kade Stewart has been omitted.

Brand has displayed strong form for Box Hill Hawks since returning to the VFL level after Round 9, and said he was excited to be back.

“It’s good to be coming back into the side and hopefully I can play my part,” the 22-year-old told hawthornfc.com.au on Friday.

With the Suns’ side boasting a number of dangerous tall forwards, Brand said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“It’ll be a good test,” he said.

PREVIEW: Hawks v Suns

“I always like going up against good players, so it should be a good game and I’m looking forward it.”

The Hawks have made one change to their squad of 25, opting for another tall option.

Ruckman Marc Pittonet has been added to the Hawks’ emergencies in place of Brendan Whitecross. Will Langford and Stewart are the Hawks’ other two emergencies.

ROUND 14 TEAM

Hawthorn v Gold Coast Suns
Sunday 26 June, 3.20pm
Aurora Stadium

B: Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Jordan Lewis, Bradley Hill
HF: Luke Breust, James Sicily, Jack Gunston
F: Paul Puopolo, Ben McEvoy, Tim O'Brien
Foll: Jonathon Ceglar, Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels
Int: Billy Hartung, Kaiden Brand, Taylor Duryea, Daniel Howe
Emer: Marc Pittonet, Kade Stewart, Will Langford
 
In: Luke Hodge, Kaiden Brand
Out: Cyril Rioli (family), Kade Stewart (omitted)