BEN McEvoy will return for Friday night’s important clash against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval but the Hawks will be without wingman, Bradley Hill.
The ruckman is one of three changes to the side that lost to North Melbourne alongside midfielders Jonathan Simpkin and Will Langford.
McEvoy’s inclusion has come at the expense of premiership ruckman David Hale who has been omitted, while Brian Lake is out suspended and Brad Sewell is injured.
Hill didn't travel with the team to Adelaide, still overcoming the soreness in his left knee that saw him withdrawn last Friday night 15 minutes before the bounce.
Ben Ross, who was Hill's replacement has done enough to keep his spot this week after 14 possessions and two goal assists against the Roos.
McEvoy hasn’t played since Round 10 when he injured his hamstring against Port Adelaide, instead having to bide his time in the VFL when he made a comeback a month ago.
The former Saint was among Box Hill’s best in their loss to Essendon last Saturday with 29 hit outs and 14 possessions, while he also booted five goals three weeks ago in a best on ground performance.
His string of impressive performances, which culminated in that effort against Essendon's VFL side was finally one that Hawks Coach Alastair Clarkson couldn't ignore.
Simpkin, meanwhile has been rewarded for his consistent performances in the VFL, including last week’s 29-disposal effort.
His clearance work in particular has impressed the Hawks at the lower level, while he has also been working on the defensive aspects of his game.
Langford returns after being omitted in Round 12 but too has been among the outstanding performers for Box Hill.
The son of club great Chris, Langford has played 10 games this year and impressed as a run-with midfielder, playing on some of the game’s elite midfielders including Suns champion Gary Ablett in Round 4.
Defender Kyle Cheney has been named as an emergency alongside Alex Woodward and Luke Lowden.
Round 17
Adelaide v Hawthorn
Friday 11 July
Adelaide Oval, 7.20pm
B: Litherland Spangher Suckling
HB: Hodge Stratton Birchall
C: Smith Mitchell Shiels
HF: Puopolo Gunston Breust
F: Schoenmakers Roughead Lewis
Foll: McEvoy Burgoyne Langford
I/C: Duryea Ross Simpkin Ceglar
Emergencies: Cheney Woodward Lowden
In: J.Simpkin , B.McEvoy , W.Langford
Out: D.Hale (Omitted) , B.Lake (Suspension) , B.Sewell (Hamstring)
