Hawthorn has named an extended 26-man squad ahead of its season opener with North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.
Key cogs James Sicily and Jack Gunston will make their long-awaited returns after facing extensive time on the sidelines due to their respective injuries.
Promising defender Changkuoth Jiath has been included in the squad after having made a successful comeback via a Box Hill practice match last week.
Recruit Max Lynch will have the opportunity to play his first game in the brown and gold, as will debutants Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald following their impressive form during the pre-season.
Meanwhile, Ben McEvoy and Luke Breust will be unavailable for the Hawks after the pair both entered the AFL’s health and safety protocols.
Hawthorn will announce its Round 1 team on Friday at 5pm.
ROUND 1 SQUAD
Hawthorn v North Melbourne
Sunday March 20, 1.10pm AEST
B: Blake Hardwick, Sam Frost, Denver Grainger-Barras
HB: Harry Morrison, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw
C: Josh Ward, Jai Newcombe, Liam Shiels
HF: Chad Wingard, Dylan Moore, James Worpel
F: Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Connor Macdonald
R: Max Lynch, Jaeger O'Meara, Tom Mitchell
INT (from): Finn Maginness, Daniel Howe, Changkuoth Jiath, Conor Nash, Tom Phillips, Emerson Jeka, Ned Reeves, Kyle Hartigan
