HAWTHORN has lost captain Ben Stratton for the Easter Monday blockbuster with Geelong.
Stratton, who was concussed in the third quarter of last week's match with St Kilda, has been replaced by David Mirra.
Hawks football manager Graham Wright said, "Despite Stratts recovering well throughout the week, we've made the decision to take a cautious approach when dealing with any player who has had a concussion.
"It is disappointing for Ben to miss today's game but we're confident Mirra will come in and play his role."
Meanwhile, midfield gun Jaeger O'Meara is a confirmed starter for MCG clash after missing last week's loss to St Kilda with a hip injury.
Kaiden Brand and Mitchell Lewis will play their first games of the season.
FOLLOW IT LIVE Hawks v Cats
Cats midfielder Cam Guthrie returns from a calf complaint for his first game of 2019, replacing Charlie Constable, who has been managed after four matches to start his AFL career.
Despite losing last year's Easter Monday fixture, the Cats will look to extend their 6-2 record over the Hawks on the annual public holiday since 2010.
A crowd of 75,000 is expected in the first of three games to be played at the home of football over the next four days, with matches to come on Anzac Day Eve and Anzac Day.
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST
LATE CHANGES
Hawthorn: Ben Stratton (concussion) replaced in the selected side by David Mirra
Geelong: Nil
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Hawthorn: Harry Morrison, Conor Nash, Jack Scrimshaw, James Cousins
Geelong: Brandan Parfitt, Jordan Clark, Sam Menegola, Gryan Miers
