Irishman in for Hawks blockbuster

HAWTHORN has named Irishman Conor Nash to make his AFL debut in the monster MCG clash against Geelong tomorrow.

The athletic, 197cm, 29year-old was a 2017 international rookie draft selection who has been developing his game with the Box Hill Hawks. He replaces Brendon Whitecross (illness).

Essendon named an unchanged line-up to face St Kilda tonight.

But the Saints swung the axe after their disappointing loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Young defender-midfielder Ben Paton has been handed his AFL debut with Rowan Marshall, Lewis Pierce, Ben Long and Bailey Rice all recalled.

Youngsters Nick Coffield and Hunter Clark are out along with Luke Dunstan while Tom Hickey and Josh Battle, who are injured.

After a 96-point hiding from Melbourne last week, the Suns have also swung the changes.

Captain Steven May returns from a one-match suspension while David Swallow is fit after also missing last week. Jesse Joyce, Ben Ainsworth, Brayden Crossley and Jarryd Lyons are all in.

Peter Wright is out with a knee injury while Jacob Heron, Jesse Lonergan, Jacob Dawson, Sean Lemmens and Max Spencer are also out.

Sydney has regained Dan Hannebery for Sunday’s trip to the MCG to play Melbourne, along with Darcy Cameron, Gary Rohan and Dean Towers.

GWS’s injury crisis has been softened with star midfielders Dylan Shiel, Tim Taranto and Ryan Griffen all back, along with Sam Reid.

It’s timely after the Giants’ lost Brett Deledio, Dawson Simpson, Sam Taylor and Toby Greene in last week’s 100-point win over Carlton.

And in one of the games of the round Port Adelaide has made a stunning selection call, axing Jack Hombsch and Sam Powell-Pepper for its clash against West Coast.

Dougal Howard, Sam Gray and Aidyn Johnson have been recalled.

The Eagles will be without Andrew Gaff after his eightgame suspension, while defender Will Schofield has a hamstring injury.

Brendon Ah Chee and Dom Sheed are in.