Darren Minchington is set to pull on the brown and gold for the first time when the Hawks do battle with Melbourne on Sunday. 

After being picked up as a delisted free agent by the Hawks at the end of the 2018 season, the former Saint has since endured a torrid run of injuries and bad luck.

But, following some strong form in the reserves scratch matches of recent weeks, the 26-year-old has been selected in a Hawthorn side that will be desperate for victory following back-to-back losses.

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GM - Football Graham Wright said Minchington's selection was on the back of a great showing of resilience in the past 18 months.

"Minch has had to work really hard for this opportunity, so we're really happy he gets his chance this weekend," Wright said.

"The coaches are hoping to see him inject some energy and excitement into our forward half.

"This is a really important game for us on the back of the last fortnight so I know the group is setting itself for a strong performance."

Key forward Mitch Lewis is set to replace the injured Jonathon Patton, who is set to spend the next month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while Shaun Burgoyne will also make his return after being rested last week.

Ruckman Jon Ceglar will also miss the Dees clash after scans revealed a minor crack in his toe, while Paul Puopolo has been omitted from the side. 

ROUND 7 TEAM
Hawthorn v Melbourne
GIANTS Stadium
Sunday 19 July, 3.35pm

B: Sam Frost, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: James Sicily, Ben McEvoy, Harry Morrison
C: Isaac Smith, Jaeger O'Meara, Tom Scully
HF: Will Day, Tim O’Brien, Chad Wingard
F: Ricky Henderson, Jack Gunston, Shaun Burgoyne
R: Mitch Lewis, James Worpel, Tom Mitchell
INT: Josh Morris, Liam Shiels, Blake Hardwick, Darren Minchington

IN: Darren Minchington, Shaun Burgoyne, Mitch Lewis

OUT: Jon Patton (hamstring), Jon Ceglar (toe), Paul Puopolo (omitted)