HAWTHORN has made a late change ahead of Thursday night's qualifying final against Richmond, with defender Daniel Howe replacing injured key forward Ryan Schoenmakers.
Hawks football manager Graham Wright said Schoenmakers had been ruled out with a sore Achilles, although the smaller Howe would also appear to give the Hawks better team balance should the rain forecast for Melbourne on Thursday night eventuate.
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Richmond has named an unchanged line-up.
"Ryan has had some soreness in his Achilles this week that unfortunately has failed to clear up in time for tonight’s clash," Wright said.
"We wanted to give him every opportunity to get up for the game but we can’t afford to take the risk with a player that isn’t 100 per cent.”
Howe missed the final five rounds of the home and away season suspension, but made an impressive return in the VFL last weekend.
"'Howie' had been enjoying a solid season before his suspension in round 17," Wright said.
"He’s trained diligently during his time on the sidelines, and we’re confident he’ll slot straight back into the line-up and fulfil his role."
Defenders James Sicily and James Frawley will also return to the Hawks' team after stints on the sidelines.
Sicily is returning from a broken wrist that has sidelined him since round 17, while Frawley missed round 23 with a back injury.
The Tigers made just one change at Wednesday night selection, bringing back star midfielder Kane Lambert (ankle) from injury at the expense of Brandon Ellis.
Lambert missed the final two rounds of the home and away season.
The reigning premiers are riding a record winning streak of 21 games at the MCG and have won their past two clashes with Hawthorn.
Richmond v Hawthorn at the MCG, 7.20pm AEST
LATE CHANGES
Richmond: Nil
Hawthorn: Ryan Schoenmakers (Achilles soreness) replaced in the selected side by Daniel Howe
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Richmond: Jayden Short, Jack Higgins, Reece Conca, Jack Graham
Hawthorn: Ryan Burton, Daniel Howe, Jon Ceglar, Harry Morrison
