Muston’s debut is likely to inspire his teammates, who have seen him work so hard to regain his fitness after knee injuries threatened to derail his promising career.

"It’s always terrific to have a debutant and especially one that’s worked so hard and diligently as he has over the last three years," Evans told hawthornfc.com.au.

Hawthorn selected Muston with the 22nd pick in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft after the midfielder impressed with the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup competition.

However, he injured his knee in his final season at junior level and required further surgery upon joining the Hawks.

"Then he was progressing along well from that and played for us in the NAB Cup and did his knee again last year," Evans said.

"It’s been a long wait for him but we’re rapt that he can finally come in and play his first senior game.

"He’s so diligent with what he’s done and he’s gone about it with such a great attitude. It’s just terrific to see him finally get the opportunity."

Evans said Muston’s knee problems hadn’t robbed him of his best assets.

"He’s a pretty agile player and a very, very good runner with a good mix of skills," he said.

"He’s always been pretty agile and a reasonably fast sort of player. I’d say he’ll find himself in a running position, whether that’s wing, half-back or half-forward. That’s probably where he’d play."

Evans said Clinton Young (hamstring) and Xavier Ellis were both likely to resume with Box Hill in the VFL as the Hawks slowly regain some of their key players from injury.

THE TEAM
B: Whitecross, Murphy, Guerra
HB: Dowler, Brown, Birchall
C: Lewis, Mitchell, Muston
HF: Williams, Franklin, Osborne
F: Rioli, Roughead, Moss
FOLL: Taylor, Sewell, Bateman
I/C (from): Campbell, Dew, McGlynn, Morton, Renouf, Stokes, Tuck

In: Muston, Renouf, Stokes

New player: Beau Muston – 22 years old, 189cm/86kg. Selection No. 22 in the 2005 AFL Draft. Drafted from Shepparton United/Murray U18.