THREE new faces will don the brown and gold on Saturday, with Tim O'Brien and Derick Wanganeen to make their AFL debut, while Ben McEvoy has been named for his first match for Hawthorn.
McEvoy will play his first official game for the Club after joining the Hawks during the 2013 trade period, when a deal was struck with St Kilda for the impressive ruckman.
A number one ruckman at the Saints, McEvoy will assume the same position with Hawthorn, replacing retired premiership player Max Bailey as the Hawks’ number one big man.
The 200cm 24 year old has impressed in his short time at the Hawks, with his running capacity and contested marking a valuable inclusion to the team.
He played in each of the side’s three lead-in matches and formed a good partnership with fellow big man, David Hale.
O’Brien will make his AFL debut on Saturday after impressing in his first season at the Club.
Recruited from South Australia with pick 28 in the 2012 National Draft, the 19 year old is a tall forward marking and athleticism for his size are among his strong attributes.
He booted three goals in the NAB Challenge victory over North Melbourne in Tasmania, with his lead-up marking impressing the coaching staff.
He is an accurate shot at goal and will work in tandem with fellow big men Jarryd Roughead and Jack Gunston inside 50.
Saturday’s debut for Wanganeen has been a long time coming, after the 23 year old, who spent three years on the Club’s rookie list before being delisted and then re-rookied at the end of last year.
Originally groomed as a small forward, a shift into defence gave the youngster a renewed sense of self belief as he became a key and valuable contributor in Box Hill’s premiership win last season.
His run and carry combined with good disposal by hand and foot and sound ability to read the play, Wanganeen will make him a nice addition to the Hawks’ half backline.
15 of Hawthorn’s premiership 22 have been named. Ben Stratton and Brad Sewell won't play because of injury, Brian Lake and Cyril Rioli are suspended and Brent Guerra (retired), Max Bailey (retired) and Lance Franklin are no longer with the Club.
Round 1
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Saturday 22 March
Aurora Stadium, 4.40pm
B: T.Duryea J.Gibson S.Burgoyne
HB: M.Suckling K.Cheney G.Birchall
C: L.Shiels S.Mitchell J.Lewis
HF: L.Breust J.Roughead B.Hill
F: J.Gunston D.Hale P.Puopolo
Foll: B.McEvoy L.Hodge W.Langford
Int: T.O'Brien I.Smith J.Simpkin D.Wanganeen
Emerg: A.Litherland A.Woodward J.Ceglar
New: T.O'Brien, D.Wanganeen
