HAWTHORN will unveil draftee Blake Hardwick in today’s clash against Carlton at Aurora Stadium.
Hardwick is a late inclusion into the Hawks’ line-up, replacing fellow forward Cyril Rioli (general soreness).
The 19-year-old was recruited by the Hawks with pick 44 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, from the Eastern Ranges (TAC Cup) and Beverley Hills Junior Football Club (EFL).
Hardwick will become the Hawks’ fifth debutant this year, following in the footsteps of Marc Pittonet, Kaiden Brand and fellow 2015 draftees Kieran Lovell and Kade Stewart.
In his draft year, the 181-centimetre forward kicked 56 goals from 16 games to win the TAC Cup goalkicking.
Hardwick featured in the Hawks’ NAB Challenge matches against Richmond and North Melbourne this year, and has played 11 matches at VFL level for Box Hill Hawks, kicking 12 goals and featuring in the best players on three occasions.