HAWTHORN draftee Kieran Lovell will make his AFL debut against GWS Giants on Saturday at Spotless Stadium.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who joined the Hawks with pick 22 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, is one of two inclusions for the match.
Lovell is joined in the side by Daniel Howe, who returns after a strong performance for Box Hill Hawks.
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said Lovell’s debut was well deserved.
“It’s always exciting when a new player comes into the team,” Fagan said.
“Kieran has been rewarded for some terrific performances for Box Hill Hawks in the last month. He’s had a couple of games where he’s been in the high 20s for possessions, and another game where he kicked five goals against quality opposition.
“We’re really looking forward to Kieran making a contribution against the Giants.”
LOVELL: It's a dream come true
Fagan said Howe’s recall was reward for hard work.
“Dan’s been a bit unlucky this year – he’s been in and out of the team so far,” he said.
“But to his credit, he keeps forcing his way back in with strong performances at VFL level.”
Making way for Lovell and Howe are fellow midfielders Will Langford (corked quad) and Billy Hartung (omitted).
Fagan said Langford’s injury would likely only see him miss this week’s match.
“It’s not a serious issue, Will was injured towards end of last week’s game, and we want to take the opportunity to let it completely settle,” Fagan said.
ROUND 6 TEAM
GWS Giants v Hawthorn
Saturday 28 April, 4.35pm
Spotless Stadium
B: Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Luke Hodge
HB: Josh Gibson, Ben Stratton, Grant Birchall
C: Bradley Hill, Jordan Lewis, Isaac Smith
HF: Luke Breust, Tim O’Brien, Jack Gusnton
F: Paul Puopolo, Jonathon Ceglar, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Sam Mitchell, Liam Shiels
Int: James Sicily, Taylor Duryea, Kieran Lovell, Daniel Howe
Emer: Blake Hardwick, Billy Hartung, Kaiden Brand
In: Kieran Lovell, Daniel Howe
Out: Will Langford (corked quad), Billy Hartung (omitted)
New: Kieran Lovell
