BOTH Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs have erred on the side of caution, with two young stars withdrawn from the selected sides in Launceston on Sunday afternoon.
As suggested during the lead-up to the match at Aurora Stadium, the Dogs will be without emerging star Marcus Bontempelli, who has suffered ongoing calf soreness, while the Hawks have named Billy Hartung to replace Bradley Hill following the wingman's concussion in last week's clash against Essendon.
The 19-year-old Bulldog travelled to Tasmania but was withdrawn on Sunday, having reported calf tightness following a running session on Saturday afternoon.
The move is precautionary and Bontempelli is expected to return to the side for the club’s round four match against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
Bontempelli has been a revelation for the Bulldogs in 2015, leading the club in metres gained and laying more tackles (20) than any other player in the AFL during two best-on-ground performances to open the season.
The Bulldogs have named former NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Nathan Hrovat to replace Bontempelli, while Brett Goodes will start in the substitute's green vest.
For the Hawks, Jed Anderson starts as sub as the club chases its 12th consecutive win at Aurora Stadium.
In Sunday's other contests, Tom Hawkins was a late withdrawal for Geelong's clash against Gold Coast, while West Coast and Fremantle went in as named for their Derby.
West Coast v Fremantle at Domain Stadium, 2.40pm
NO LATE CHANGES
FINAL INTERCHANGES
West Coast: Brad Sheppard, Sharrod Wellingham, Scott Lycett
Substitute: Liam Duggan
Fremantle: Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale, Lee Spurr
Substitute: Hayden Crozier
Geelong v Gold Coast at Simonds Stadium, 3.20pm
LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Tom Hawkins (personal reasons) replaced in selected side by Josh Walker
Gold Coast: Nil
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Geelong: Josh Caddy, Mathew Stokes, Jackson Thurlow
Substitute: Nakia Cockatoo
Gold Coast: Sean Lemmens, Brandon Matera, Touk Miller
Substitute: Matt Shaw
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm
LATE CHANGES
Hawthorn: Bradley Hill (concussion) replaced in selected side by Billy Hartung
Western Bulldogs: Marcus Bontempelli (calf soreness) replaced in selected side by Nathan Hrovat
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Hawthorn: Will Langford, Taylor Duryea, Billy Hartung
Substitute: Jed Anderson
Western Bulldogs: Nathan Hrovat, Lukas Webb, Koby Stevens
Substitute: Brett Goodes
