Hawthorn out to ditch Blues
Wounded Hawks welcome back warriors
AN under-siege Hawthorn has been boosted with four key inclusions – including Jarman Impey recalled for his first game in 12 months – as the club looks to snap a four-game losing streak in Friday night’s clash with Carlton in Perth.
Impey joins forwards Luke Breust and Tim O’Brien as well as ruckman Jon Ceglar back in the side after injury lay-offs as the Hawks look to increase their scoring profile and keep their stuttering season alive.
Impey, 25, has played three ‘scratch’ matches in recent weeks following a knee reconstruction last July. He will add much-needed run to a side sorely lacking in dare since hitting the road from Melbourne just over a month ago.
Breust is a crucial addition, given his enterprising work in attack and his capacity to hit the scoreboard. He hasn’t played since fracturing his jaw in Round 4, while O’Brien (ankle) and Ceglar (fractured toe) are also welcome inclusions.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson has omitted Mitch Lewis, Josh Morris, Darren Minchington and Keegan Brooksby from the team to take on the Blues.
Carlton lost Mitch McGovern to his hamstring injury suffered against North Melbourne, but replaced him with key forward Harry McKay, who was a late withdrawal last week.
Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel returns from suspension as one of five changes for the club for the other Friday night clash against Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.
Young Bombers ruckman Sam Draper comes in for his first AFL game, alongside the returning James Stewart, Brandon ZerkThatcher and Tom Cutler.
Conor McKenna and Shaun McKernan have been managed, Jayden Laverde will miss with an ankle injury, Kyle Langford is suspended and Mitch Hibberd has been dropped.
Brisbane has also made five changes, with injured trio Ryan Lester, Daniel Rich and Archie Smith joined by Daniel McStay (suspended) and Tom Berry (omitted) on the sidelines.
Alex Witherden, Sam Skinner, Cam Ellis-Yolmen, and Noah Answerth will return to the Lions side, with Connor Ballenden to debut.