Five changes have been made for Hawthorn's third-versus-fourth blockbuster against Gold Coast to open Sir Doug Nicholls Round on Thursday night at TIO Stadium, Darwin.

Midfielder Cam Mackenzie, defender Jack Scrimshaw and forward Calsher Dear have all fully recovered from their respective injuries and will return to the brown and gold line-up, while ruck Ned Reeves has been selected for his first game of the year following consistent VFL form with Box Hill this season. 

Full-back Tom Barrass rounds out the inclusions after being managed for Hawthorn's 35-point win over Melbourne last week. 

Following that game, Senior Coach Sam Mitchell revealed that Jarman Impey would miss Thursday night's match so he could be home in Melbourne with partner Annabelle to await the arrival of their first child.

Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Lloyd Meek and Jack Gunston would be managed for the clash, while Luke Breust is dealing with a back complaint. Henry Hustwaite has been omitted from the battle with the Suns. 

Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney discussed the changes from Darwin. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Calsher back into our line-up from injury after his exciting debut year last season, he will be looking to build upon that this Thursday night," McCartney said.

"Having played a lot of football for us this year, Barrass, Scrimshaw and Mackenzie are all key players returning to our side who make us better.

"And it’s pleasing to see Ned get an opportunity at AFL level again, having played some great footy for Box Hill across several weeks now, he’s been waiting for this door to open and play his role on Thursday night."

In other selection news, Massimo D'Ambrosio has been named to play his 50th game, having missed just one match through management since crossing to the Hawks in 2024. 

Hawthorn will don the brown version of its 2025 Indigenous Guernsey on Thursday night, which encapsulates 100 years of First Nations history since the club's entry into the VFL/AFL. 

Designed by Noongar and Yamatji man and Hawthorn's Indigenous Player Development Manager Jamie Bennell, the special guernsey represents the club's players, staff, members and fans as well as its home grounds and premierships over the years.