Star duo Luke Breust and Changkuoth Jiath headline five changes ahead of Hawthorn's Emergency Services Match against Melbourne on Saturday.
Last year's Pick 7 Cam Mackenzie also makes his return to the side after a dominant fortnight at Box Hill were he produced back-to-back 30-disposal performances.
Small forward Sam Butler also re-joins the side following a four-goal haul last weekend in the VFL.
It marks Butler's second senior appearance this year following his outing in Round 2 against Sydney where he was the medical substitute.
Meanwhile, defender James Blanck is also back in the team for what will be his third game for 2023 after spending the past six weeks in the VFL with Box Hill.
Head of Football Rob McCartney said Breust and Jiath would provide an important boost to the side as it prepares to face an in-form Melbourne.
“Both are important players, Luke for his on-field leadership and talent around goals, and Changkuoth for how he energises our ball movement,” McCartney said.
“We are looking forward to seeing them play their roles against a really polished Melbourne outfit on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, McCartney said it was pleasing to welcome the young trio of Mackenzie, Blanck and Butler back into the side after their dominant form in the VFL.
“It's great to see Sam return to the starting 22, he's been a consistent performer in the VFL hitting the scoreboard week in, week out," McCartney said.
“James is another who has been working hard at his craft this season, he's had some big roles on key forwards in the VFL in recent weeks and has been able to limit their impact on games.
"With six AFL appearances to his name already in his first year, Cam comes back in to the team after two strong outings at Box Hill and we're looking forward to seeing him further develop his game at the top level this season."
Tyler Brockman (suspended), Josh Ward (injured), Connor Macdonald (illness), Jack Scrimshaw (omitted) and Fergus Greene (omitted) are the confirmed outs for this week.
Scrimshaw and Greene have been named as emergencies alongside Lachlan Bramble and Jacob Koschitzke.
The match will be live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, with the first bounce scheduled for 4.35pm.
Each year, the club's Emergency Services Match is an opportunity to thank these dedicated people while also raising awareness of the impact this work can have on the mental health and wellbeing of all of the people working tirelessly in these fields.
Pre-game entertainment will kick off at 12.30pm at the Emergency Services Fan Zone in the MCG’s Yarra Park outside Gate 3, for more information visit HERE.
At half-time fans can show their appreciation as our emergency services workers and volunteers take to the field for a lap of honour, plus a special performance by Rob Mills.
Stay tuned across Instagram and Twitter for game updates, with further match content available on www.hawthornfc.com.au.
ROUND 9 TEAM
Hawthorn v Melbourne
MCG, 4.35pm
B: James Sicily, Sam Frost, Josh Weddle
HB: Seamus Mitchell, James Blanck, Jarman Impey
C: Conor Nash, Jai Newcombe, Karl Amon
HF: James Worpel, Lloyd Meek, Chad Wingard
F: Dylan Moore, Mitch Lewis, Luke Breust
R: Ned Reeves, Will Day, Cam Mackenzie
INT: Changkuoth Jiath, Sam Butler, Blake Hardwick, Harry Morrison
Emer: Jack Scrimshaw, Jacob Koschitzke, Fergus Greene, Lachlan Bramble
In: Luke Breust, Changkuoth Jiath, Cam Mackenzie, James Blanck, Sam Butler
Out: Tyler Brockman (suspended), Josh Ward (injured), Connor Macdonald (illness), Jack Scrimshaw (omitted), Fergus Greene (omitted)
