HAWTHORN has made two changes for Friday night's Preliminary Final against Geelong, with star forwards Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli back to bolster the side.
Franklin (suspension) and Rioli (ankle) missed the Qualifying Final win over the Swans, but return for the all-important match at the MCG.
With a full list to choose from, selection was tough for the Hawks - with Matt Spangher and Jed Anderson the unlucky ones to miss out on selection.
Rioli hasn’t played since Round 22 when he injured his ankle against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium but has trained well this week in preparation for the Cats.
The Hawks dynamo participated in the Club’s main training session on Tuesday and Coach, Alastair Clarkson revealed the star forward recovered well from the session before training again on Thursday to cement his place in the side.
Franklin was suspended for a week against Sydney in Round 23, but appears well rested and primed for Friday night’s cut throat final.
Both Spangher and Anderson are unlucky to miss out, given their impressive performances against the Swans in the Qualifying Final win.
Spangher filled the void left by Franklin up forward and proved vital in his ability to take contested marks and provide a lead-up option.
Anderson on the other hand was a handy substitute, with his ability to be injected as an impact player.
He took a brilliant contested mark and kicked a goal to seal the victory in the final quarter.
With a Grand Final at stake and despite not having beaten the Cats in 11 attempts, the Hawks are confident in their ability to win through to the 2013 decider after enjoying the weekend off last week.
Hawthorn Preliminary Final team
FB: Stratton Lake Guerra
HB: Burgoyne Gibson Birchall
C: Smith Mitchell Hill
HF: Breust Franklin Gunston
FF: Puopolo Roughead Rioli
Rucks: Hale, Sewell, Hodge
IC: Lewis, Bailey, Whitecross, Shiels
EM: Spangher, Cheney, Anderson
IN: Franklin, Rioli
Out: Spangher, Anderson