Hawthorn makes big changes for Fremantle clash
TWO years and 10 days since his last AFL game, Hawthorn defender Grant Birchall is finally confirmed for his senior comeback.
The Hawks confirmed Birchall will play in tomorrow’s Launceston game against Fremantle.
It’s mixed selection news for the Hawks, who are two games and percentage outside the top eight. While they will also regain injured-plagued recruit Chad Wingard, Jack Gunston is out because of a leg injury. They also dropped Conor Glass.
Birchall has been out of action because of a serious knee injury and then soft-tissue problems.
He and former skipper Jarryd Roughead are the only fourtime premiership players still on the Hawks list.
“My body is the best it’s been for a long time,” Birchall told the club’s website.
Debutant John Noble, Levi Greenwood and Ben Crocker will replace axed trio Matt Scharenberg, Josh Daicos and Josh Thomas at Collingwood for tonight’s clash in Perth.
West Coast regains key forward Josh Kennedy and Tom Cole, while Liam Duggan (ankle) and Brendon Ah Chee (calf) are injured.
Essendon is unchanged for tomorrow’s bumper game against North Melbourne, meaning injured captain Dyson Heppell misses again, while the in-form Kangaroos axed Luke Davies-Uniacke and Sam Durdin for Jamie Macmillan and Curtis Taylor.
Carlton will regain co-captain Patrick Cripps for its SCG game against Sydney. Hugh Goddard will play his first game for the Blues and Harry McKay also returns. Kieren Jack is back for the Swans.