PREMIERSHIP ruckman David Hale will return to the Hawthorn side for Sunday’s clash against the Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium after being named in the team on Friday.

Hale was named on an extended interchange for the Hawks on Thursday night but has been named alongside returning defender Matt Spangher as the Hawks make two changes for Sunday's clash.

Young ruckman Jonathon Ceglar and midfielder Will Langford have both been omitted from the side the defeated the Swans last Saturday night.

After booting five goals, taking 10 marks and 34 hit outs in Box Hill’s VFL win over Coburg, Hale drew praise from former Box Hill premiership Coach Damian Caroll for his outstanding effort.

Hale will resume his partnership with Ben McEvoy for the first time since Round 10 against highly-rated Western Bulldogs big man, Will Minson.

Spangher missed Saturday night’s crucial win with ankle soreness but has been brought straight back into the team to bolster the defence alongside Josh Gibson who made a triumphant return from injury last week.

It is testament to how far he has come since returning to the side two months ago and now become a valuable member of the Hawthorn backline.

Billy Hartung, Taylor Duryea and Will Langford are the emergncies.

Round 19
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 3 August
Aurora Stadium, 3.20pm


B: Litherland Gibson Schoenmakers
HB: Hodge Stratton Birchall
C: Smith Mitchell Suckling
HF: Hill Gunston Breust
F: Puopolo Roughead Lewis
Foll: McEvoy Burgoyne Shiels
Interchange: Hale Simpkin Woodward Spangher

In: D.Hale, M.Spangher
Out: J.Ceglar, W. Langford (both omitted)