Hawthorn fans will get to see another rising star on the weekend when strong marking centre-half-forward Mitch Thorp plays his first game of the season for Box Hill Hawks.  

The first-round pick in the 2006 NAB AFL draft (number 6 overall), will play his first game since September after a hip injury sidelined him in early March.
“It’s been a long pre-season and I am really looking forward to getting out there on Saturday and playing some footy,” Thorp said.
“I’ve been doing the full skills program for the last three weeks so to be preparing to play a game is exciting.”
While all his teammates have been encouraging throughout his rehabilitation, Thorp said Danny Jacobs and Robbie Campbell had been particularly supportive.
“Both Danny and Robbie have been great and really helped me in my training. It’s great to learn from the senior guys,” he said.
Box Hill coach Damien Christensen said he is looking forward to introducing another youngster into the fold.
“Mitch is really looking forward to playing and he has worked really hard in his training. Hopefully he can get out there and play some good footy for Box Hill during the season.”
Ahead of his first game in eight months the Tasmanian has received some handy advice from Hawthorn captain Richie Vandenberg.
“Vanders pretty much told me to go out (on the ground), play footy and enjoy myself. Hopefully I can do that and get a few kicks too,” Thorp said.
With Hawthorn in Perth this weekend, Hawks fans can get their footy fix and head to Box Hill City Oval to see Box Hill play Northern Bullants on Saturday at 1pm.