HAWTHORN has been bolstered by the return of stars Lance Franklin and Sam Mitchell for tomorrow night’s top-of-the-table clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Franklin has missed the past two matches through injury, while Mitchell was a late withdrawal last weekend after being struck down by illness ahead of the clash against the Bulldogs in Tasmania.

The pair are timely inclusions for the Hawks, who’ll undoubtedly be tested by a rampant Essendon tomorrow night, desperate to knock off the ladder-leaders.

Franklin and Mitchell replace defender Kyle Cheney and last week’s debutant, Will Langford who have been omitted.

Cheney and Langford have been named as emergencies along with ruckman, Jonathon Ceglar.

Veteran midfielder Brad Sewell has kept his spot after being given a reprieve by his coach when Mitchell fell ill last weekend.

Sewell gathered 24 touches and was a solid contributor for the Hawks in the win over the Bulldogs.

Round 18 team
FB: Stratton Lake Guerra
HB:   Mitchell Gibson Whitecross
C:   Smith Hodge Hill
HF:  Gunston Roughead Breust
FF:  Franklin Hale Rioli
Rucks: Bailey, Lewis, Puopolo
IC: Sewell, Simpkin, Duryea, Savage

EM: Cheney, Ceglar, Langford

IN: Franklin, Mitchell
OUT: Cheney, Langford