Teia Miles is set to make his awaited AFL debut on Saturday, having been named in Hawthorn’s 22-man team to take on the Crows.
Drafted in 2014, Miles has been a solid contributor for Box Hill across the past two seasons. The versatile defender appeared on the verge of senior selection late last year, before a broken collar bone spelt a premature end to his season.
“Teia is a great kid from Barwon Heads who has worked really hard since arriving at the club,” GM- Football Operations Jason Burt said.
“He’s worked hard on improving and developing his game and has patiently waited for his opportunity, so it's really exciting that he'll get his chance on Saturday.
“We’re really excited for him and his family.”
Kade Stewart, Ryan Burton and Luke Hodge are also set to play their first game of the season, with the latter returning from a one-week club imposed sanction.
“It’s great having Hodgey back in the mix,” says Burt.
“He will bring some great leadership and direction out on the ground, and I’m sure he’s pretty excited to get his first touch of 2017.”
Young duo Stewart and Burton have been rewarded for their impressive pre-seasons, according to Burt.
“We’re thrilled for Burto who has had his injury interruptions in the past, but played some good footy for us late last year.
"Kade was one of our most impressive young players throughout the JLT series and was probably a bit unlucky not to play last week.
“It’s great that both these guys get their opportunity this weekend after fantastic pre-seasons.”
IN: Luke Hodge, Kade Stewart, Ryan Burton, Teia Miles
OUT: Ryan Schoenmakers (Omitted) , Taylor Duryea (Omitted) , Billy Hartung (Omitted) , James Sicily (Omitted)
Read: Hawks vs Crows match preview
ROUND 2 TEAM
Hawthorn vs Adelaide
MCG
Saturday 1 April, 1.45pm
B: Ben Stratton, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne
HB: Luke Hodge, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall
C: Liam Shiels, Jaeger O’Meara, Isaac Smith
HF: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli
F: Ty Vickery, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
R: Ben McEvoy, Will Langford, Tom Mitchell
INT: Ricky Henderson, Ryan Burton, Kade Stewart, Teia Miles
EMER: Brendan Whitecross, Taylor Duryea, Daniel Howe
