Hawthorn has confirmed three changes to its Round 6 line up set to face the Saints in Launceston on Saturday night. 

Experienced campaigners Shaun Burgoyne and Will Langford return to the side, while 2017 draftee James Worpel will make his AFL debut.

Read: The wait is over for Worpel

GM-Football Graham Wright says the inclusions will give the playing group some added energy as they embark on their first interstate travel of the season. 

“Obviously there are lot of positive stories in today’s team announcement,” Wright said. 

“James making his debut is the stand out.

“He’s worked so hard since arriving at the club and really deserves it.

“That excitement of having a debutant does tend to give the players that extra spark, so we’re looking forward to seeing what both he and the group can produce come Saturday. 

“And obviously Shaun coming back in is a huge inclusion.

“He’s such an important player for us and we’ve missed his composure in the last couple of weeks.”

Langford returns to the side for his second game of 2018, following a fortnight of strong performances for Box Hill.

The Hawks will be without Vice Captain Liam Shiels, who wasn’t able to overcome back soreness in time for selection. James Sicily (suspended) and Conor Glass (omitted) will also miss.

Match preview: Hawks v Saints

 

ROUND 6 TEAM
Hawthorn v St Kilda
UTAS Stadium
Saturday 28th April, 7.25pm
B: Ryan Burton, James Frawley, Ben Stratton
HB: Taylor Duryea, David Mirra, Blake Hardwick
C: Isaac Smith, Jaeger O’Meara, Harry Morrison
HF: Luke Breust, Tim O’Brien, Jack Gunston
F: James Worpel, Jarryd Roughead, Ricky Henderson
R: Ben McEvoy, Tom Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne
INT: Jarman Impey, Will Langford, Daniel Howe, James Cousins

EMER: Ryan Schoenmakers, Jonathan O’Rourke, Marc Pittonet, Brendan Whitecross

IN: Shaun Burgoyne, Will Langford, James Worpel
OUT: Liam Shiels (back), James Sicily (suspended), Conor Glass (omitted)

NEW: James Worpel (Geelong Falcons)

Read: Tassie set for huge pre-match display