The Hawks have made a season-high seven changes ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the Saints.
Damon Greaves is the good news story of the week, with the 20-year-old set to make his AFL debut.
Greaves will be joined returning youngsters Will Day, Harry Morrison, Josh Morris and Dylan Moore – who is set for his first game of 2020 – as well as experienced performers Liam Shiels and Sam Frost.
GM-Football Graham Wright says the Hawks see the remaining rounds of the season as a good opportunity to trial personnel and positional changes.
“Given that finals are off the cards, this is a great opportunity to get some senior experience into some of our up and coming youngsters.
“These guys have been working really hard on the training track and have put forward really strong cases for selection.
“Damon in particular is a really positive story. He’s been at the club for nearly two years now, and the development and hard work he’s put in over that period has been fantastic.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing him get his opportunity at AFL level.”
The Hawks will be without Jarman Impey (rib soreness), Ben Stratton (ankle), Ben McEvoy, Oliver Hanrahan, Shaun Burgoyne (all managed), Darren Minchington and Conor Glass (both omitted).
Sunday’s game poses as an exciting fixture for many reasons – in particular, it will be Alastair Clarkson’s 500th game in his AFL playing and coaching career.
The match will also see the Hawks and Saints contest the Blue Ribbon Cup for the 21st consecutive year.
ROUND 16 TEAM
St Kilda v Hawthorn
Metricon Stadium
Sunday 6 September, 1.05pm AEST
B: Blake Hardwick, Will Day, Tom Scully
HB: James Frawley, Sam Frost, Chad Wingard
C: Changkuoth Jiath, Dan Howe, Jack Scrimshaw
HF: Luke Breust, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Moore
F: Josh Morris, Tim O'Brien, Jack Gunston
Foll: Jonathon Ceglar, James Worpel, Tom Mitchell
I/C: Damon Greaves, Liam Shiels, Harry Morrison, James Cousins
Emer: Jackson Ross, Finn Maginness, Jacob Koschitzke, Conor Nash
IN: Greaves (debut), Morrison, Shiels, Morris, Moore, Day, Frost
OUT: Stratton (ankle), Impey (corked hip), Glass (omitted), Minchington (omitted), Hanrahan (managed), McEvoy (managed), Burgoyne (managed)
