Hawthorn will bring in six metres worth of height into its side to take on Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday with the inclusions of Ned Reeves, Mitch Lewis and Tim O'Brien. 

The Demons match-up will be Lewis and Reeves' first appearance on the senior stage since the Hawks Round 11 loss to Gold Coast, whilst O'Brien most recently played in the Port Adelaide game a fortnight ago. 

Changkuoth Jiath (knee), Jack Scrimshaw (concussion) and Jonathon Ceglar (hip) come out of the team due to injury.

AIA Vitality Update: A double blow for defensive duo

Although a series of injuries have caused this week's changes, Head of Football Rob McCartney said he was optimistic about the opportunity afforded to the three incoming Hawks. 

“It’s disappointing to lose CJ and Scrimshaw to injury, both have demonstrated tremendous growth in their game this season and have been shining lights in our back end,” McCartney said.

“But with any injury comes the opportunity for someone else to step up and it’s exciting to see Lewis, Reeves and O’Brien return to the AFL line-up.

“We’re excited to add Mitch Lewis back into our forward line. This week will give our fans a glimpse of our future with Koschitzke, Jeka, Moore and Brockman joining Mitch up forward.

“It’s great that Ned gets another chance to test himself at senior level. His ruck work in his two AFL games before the bye showed plenty of promise as a developing ruckman.

“And T.O. is one that we can bring in, with the confidence that he can fill a key position spot at either end of the ground as we’ve seen throughout stages of this season.

“He gives us great flexibility.”

In light of Victoria's lockdown announcement on Thursday, crowds will not be permitted at games in Victoria this weekend.

ROUND 18 TEAM
Melbourne v Hawthorn
Saturday 17th July, 4.35pm AEST
MCG

B: Denver Grainger-Barras, Kyle Hartigan, Daniel Howe
HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Sam Frost, Lachlan Bramble
C: Dylan Moore, James Worpel, Tom Phillips
HF: Emerson Jeka, Luke Breust, Jaeger O'Meara
F: Jacob Koschtzke, Tim O'Brien, Mitch Lewis
R: Ben McEvoy, Tom Mitchell, Liam Shiels
Int: Ned Reeves, Damon Greaves, Conor Nash, Tyler Brockman

Emer: Oliver Hanrahan, James Cousins, Michael Hartley, Jai Newcombe