HAWTHORN has included midfielder Will Langford, key forward Tim O’Brien and Kiwi defender Kurt Heatherley in an extended squad to face Richmond on Sunday.

All three have been named on the bench in the Hawks’ 25-man squad.

Langford found plenty of the ball for Box Hill in the VFL last weekend, finishing with 29 disposals while O’Brien kicked three goals up forward.

Heatherley continued his push for a senior debut racking up 17 disposals, eight marks and five rebound 50s for Box Hill.

The 193cm backman was elevated to the club’s senior list in 2015 after being selected as an International Rookie in 2013. He finished third in Box Hill's best and fairest last year.

Brendan Whitecross made a successful return to AFL football last week replacing an injured Liam Shiels, and retains his place in the squad this week against the Tigers along with Jonathan O’Rourke and Angus Litherland.

Hawthorn will finalise its side tomorrow afternoon ahead of Sunday’s clash at the MCG, which will be Sam Mitchell’s 300th AFL game.

The Hawks are sitting comfortably on top of the ladder after a hard-fought five-point win over the Sydney Swans last week.