VETERAN Hawthorn midfielder Brad Sewell will return from injury via the VFL on Sunday.
The dual premiership player will play his first game since Round 16, when he injured his hamstring in the opening minutes of the loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Sewell will line up for the Club’s VFL affiliate Box Hill in their Round 18 clash against Frankston at Frankston Oval alongside Alex Woodward and Angus Litherland who were both omitted from the AFL team.
It is second time this year Sewell will return through the VFL after injuries to his hamstrings.
Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson confirmed his return on Friday after Sewell was named for Marco Bello’s team on Thursday night.
Clarkson, who is preparing to take on Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday said Sewell needed match fitness before being considered for senior selection.
"He (Sewell) probably just needs to get some match conditioning and some form and give himself every chance to get back into the side on the eve of the finals," he said.
Sewell missed the opening nine rounds of the season after injuring his hamstring against the Demons during the pre-season.
He returned through Box Hill earlier this year before injuring his hamstring again.
But a strong performance in his last outing in the VFL saw him star with 22 disposals and nine tackles before being brought into the senior team to take on Port Adelaide in Round 10.
Sewell has played seven senior games this year and averaged 19.1 disposals, while again proving he is a valuable midfielder for the Hawks with his ability to win contested footy and clearances.
International Rookie Kurt Heatherley has been named in the back pocket while impressive youngster Jordan Kelly, who has starred for Box Hill this season has been named across half-back.
Round 18
Frankston v Box Hill Hawks
Sunday 10 August
Frankston Oval, 2pm
Frankston
FB: SuttonJ. Irving Heddles
HB: N. Newman Simpson Lees
C: J. Newman Hockey Tynan
HF: Harper Haretuku Potts
FF: Alwan Lourey Buchan
Foll: Gabriel L. Kitchin Cavarra
Int: Garner Boland Pongracic Taylor Fox B. Irving Pollard Pickess*
Box Hill Hawks
FB: Heatherley Litherland Brand
HB: Kelly Cheney Wanganeen
C: Willsmore Iles Ross
HF: Tobin Hallahan Murphy
FF: Grimley O'Brien Ceglar
Foll: Lowden Sewell Woodward
Int: Andrews Mirran Collins Cust Lock Kennedy Evans* Walker Sicily
*Denotes 23rd man
