HAWTHORN defenders Grant Birchall and Ben Stratton have been named for Saturday's practice match against Melbourne as the Hawks ramp up preparations for Round 1.

Birchall and Stratton, two of the Club’s most consistent and reliable defenders last year didn’t play in either of Hawthorn’s NAB Challenge victories but look set to prepare for Round 1 with a hit out at Casey Fields.

Stratton played his first match of the year last weekend, in VFL affiliate Box Hill's practice match while if picked, Saturday's game against the Demons will be Birchall's first of the year.

The Hawks have named a strong and experienced team, with Captain Luke Hodge, Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson among 16 premiership players set to make the trip to Cranbourne.

Alastair Clarkson has also given a number of youngsters the opportunity to further press their case for senior selection in the opening round of the home-and-away season, with Will Langford, Mitch Hallahan and Alex Woodward named.

International Rookie Kurt Heatherley has also been named for his third pre-season game as has fellow rookie Derick Wanganeen.

With the Hawks placing injured forward Brendan Whitecross on the long-term injury list this week, another impressive showing by the duo could land them a place on the primary list for 2014.

Melbourne v Hawthorn
Saturday 8 March
Casey Fields, 1pm

Hawthorn practice match squad
2. Roughead
3. Lewis
4. Suckling
5. Mitchell
6. Gibson
7. McEvoy
10. Hill
12. Sewell
13. Cheney
14. Birchall
15. Hodge
16. Smith
18. Ceglar.
19. Gunston
20. Hale
22. Breust
23. O’Brien
24. Stratton
26. Shiels
28. Puopolo
29. Langford
31. Litherland
32. Simpkin
36. Wanganeen
38. Hallahan
39. Woodward
46. Heatherley