HAWTHORN could unleash up to five new youngsters for its first official AFL hit-out on Saturday night at Aurora Stadium when the Hawks take on Carlton in the second round of the NAB Cup.
Two father/son selections, Travis Tuck (son of Michael) and Josh Kennedy (son of John jnr and grandson of John snr), have been named in the 28-man squad, along with high draftee Beau Dowler, Western Australian Garry Moss and rookie Sam Gibson.
Hawthorn general manager of football operations Mark Evans said the club was eager to expose as many more untried youngsters at the top level.
“We already have a young and exciting list, but our supporters should be even more excited that we have some more exciting players that could potentially be playing in the NAB Cup this week,” Evans told hawthornfc.com.au.
“Hopefully some of these boys make it through to the final team of 24 to play on Saturday night.”
The Hawks have also added promising defender Tom Murphy and redrafted backman Josh Thurgood to their squad.
As expected, Campbell Brown will miss the next two matches after he was found guilty of striking Melbourne’s Lynden Dunn, while midfielder Rick Ladson is out with an ankle injury.
Beau Muston is being rested this weekend after being sidelined with a knee injury in his first year at the club.
The match starts at 6.10pm.
Mark Evans on the potential debutants …
Beau Dowler: In a trial match at Box Hill last weekend, Beau was terrific down back and up forward. He spent a half in defence and looked very comfortable, despite being a noted forward.
Travis Tuck: Travis has had a tremendous pre-season heading into his second year at the club.
Josh Kennedy: Josh has slotted into the demands of AFL footy really well.
Sam Gibson: Sam has a really good work ethic and is a hard worker He has come through from Box Hill and made a really good impression over pre-season.
Garry Moss: Garry was captain of the WA Under-18 team last year and has done well in his first AFL pre-season. He has really good leadership qualities.
The squads:
Hawthorn: 2. Jarryd Roughead, 20. Tim Boyle, 3. Jordan Lewis, 22. Ben McGlynn, 5. Sam Mitchell, 23. Lance Franklin, 6. Mark Williams, 25. Tim Clarke, 9. Shane Crawford, 26. Zac Dawson, 10. Chance Bateman, 27. Stephen Gilham, 28. Matthew Little, 12. Brad Sewell, 13. Simon Taylor, 14. Grant Birchall, 34. Brent Renouf, 15. Luke Hodge, 38. Travis Tuck, 16. Beau Dowler, 39. Robert Campbell, 45. Clinton Young, 18. Brent Guerra, 29. Tom Murphy, 33. Josh Thurgood, 36. Josh Kennedy, 37. Gary Moss, 16. Beau Dowler, 43. Sam Gibson.
Carlton: 1. Andrew Walker, 2. Jordan Russell, 3. Marc Murphy, 4. Bryce Gibbs, 5. Josh Kennedy, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Adam Bentick, 8. Lance Whitnall, 9. Jason Saddington, 11. Cain Ackland, 12. Matthew Lappin, 14. Brad Fisher, 16. Shaun Grigg, 17. Setanta O’hAilpin, 18. Paul Bower, 19. Eddie Betts, 22. Shaun Hampson, 24. Nick Stevens, 25. Brendan Fevola, 28. Cameron Cloke, 29. Heath Scotland, 30. Jarrad Waite, 32. Bret Thornton, 33. Ryan Houlihan, 38. Ryan Jackson, 41. Ross Young, 43. Anthony Koutoufides, 44. Andrew Carrazzo.
