HAWTHORN has made three changes for Thursday night’s top of the table clash with Sydney Swans at the SCG.
Brendan Whitecross will make his return to senior football for the first time since Round 6 last year, having been named on the interchange for the Hawks.
Whitecross’ inclusion comes off the back of a great fortnight of football at VFL level, including a best on ground performance at the weekend.
Jonathan O’Rourke will also return for the Hawks, in his first senior game since Round 3, replacing midfielder Liam Shiels who suffered a hamstring strain in Hawthorn’s win over Port Adelaide last week.
Angus Litherland is the third inclusion for the Hawks, while Billy Hartung has been omitted and Daniel Howe will miss with a minor calf strain.
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said it was tough week for the match committee.
“We had a really good win last week against Port and everyone played their role for the team, unfortunately for Billy he is the unlucky man to miss this week,” Fagan said.
“Billy has played some really good footy for us this year and I have no doubt he will get his opportunities again this season.
“It’s unlucky for both Liam and Dan too, as they have been in good form in recent weeks but they’ll both be pushing hard for selection once they’ve overcome their injuries.
“It’s exciting for Brendan to finally get his opportunity this season, he’s been in good form at Box Hill and deserves his chance.
“We feel like Jono is a like-for-like replacement for Shiels and hopefully Angus can come in and provide us some good run off the backline.”
Hartung, Tim O’Brien and Teia Miles are the Hawks’ emergencies.
ROUND 17 TEAM
Sydney v Hawthorn
Thursday 14 July, 7.20pm
SCG
B: Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Jordan Lewis, Bradley Hill
HF: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli
F: James Sicily, Ben McEvoy, Paul Puopolo
Foll: Jonathon Ceglar, Luke Hodge, Jonathan O’Rourke
Int: Kaiden Brand, Taylor Duryea, Angus Litherland, Brendan Whitecross
Emer: Billy Hartung,Tim O’Brien, Teia Miles
In: Jonathan O’Rourke, Angus Litherland, Brendan Whitecross
Out: Liam Shiels (hamstring), Billy Hartung (omitted), Daniel Howe (calf)
