First-year Hawk Josh Ward is among three ins for Hawthorn as it prepares for a showdown with arch-rival Essendon this Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who made his debut in Round 1, will return to the senior side after being managed last week following a five-day break.

The Hawks are further bolstered by the additions of Denver Grainger-Barras and Harry Morrison.

Fellow first-year Hawk Connor Macdonald (managed) will miss his first game for the season, while Conor Nash (managed), Liam Shiels (managed) and Daniel Howe (last week's medical substitute) are also outs.

Head of Football Rob McCartney said Saturday night’s match presents a big challenge for the young Hawks.

“It’s pleasing to welcome Josh back to the side. He continues to show growth each time he takes to the field this year,” McCartney said.

“Denver will play an important role in defence against a potent Essendon attack, while Harry’s running capacity will be a valuable weapon through our midfield rotations.

“We are excited for another opportunity to test ourselves against a proud club in Essendon.”

The Hawks and Bombers have split the last two encounters, including last year’s opening round one-point thriller which went the way of the brown and gold.

ROUND 8 TEAM
Essendon v Hawthorn
Saturday 7 May
Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm 

B: Jack Scrimshaw, Sam Frost, Lachlan Bramble
HB: Will Day, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick
C: Jarman Impey, Tom Mitchell, Josh Ward
HF: Finn Maginness, Jacob Koschitzke, Dylan Moore
F: Jaeger O'Meara, Jackson Callow, Luke Breust
R: Max Lynch, Jai Newcombe, Chad Wingard
Int: James Worpel, Harry Morrison, Jack Gunston, Denver Grainger-Barras 

Emer: Daniel Howe, Conor Nash, Connor Macdonald, Liam Shiels 

IN: Ward, Grainger-Barras, Morrison
OUT: Macdonald (managed), Nash (managed), Shiels (managed), Howe (sub)