Key defender Tim Mohr will play his first game for the year after overcoming foot and knee injuries to return to the GIANTS backline.
Mohr said he couldn’t wait to get back out on the field after a frustrating start to 2014.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there again after a tough few months,” said Mohr.
“Training away from the main group was pretty frustrating at times but after playing a couple of NEAFL games I feel ready to get out there again.
“Hawthorn will be a huge challenge for us but all the boys are looking forward to getting out onto the MCG after a disappointing couple of weeks,” he said.
Mohr is joined in the final side to face Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday by fellow backmen Kristian Jaksch and Sam Frost and forward Jed Lamb.
Jaksch comes in to play his first game of 2014 after a switch from forward to defence in the off-season.
NEAFL coach Brett Hand said Jaksch had been rewarded for strong reserves form.
“He’s had a big pre-season down back playing as a defender and he’s worked hard on improving his positioning and his physicality, going back with the flight of the ball,” Hand said.
“He’s pretty good at getting a spoil in to help his teammates out.”
Lamb has been recalled after a six-goal performance for the UWS GIANTS in their demolition of the Suns reserves last weekend, while Frost was also strong.
Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) and Joshua Kelly (eye) will miss the match through injury while Jonathan Giles and Stephen Gilham have been omitted.
18-year-old PM Capital GIANTS Academy graduate Jake Barrett has been named as an emergency for the first time this season, alongside Giles and defender Nathan Wilson.
The GIANTS play Hawthorn at the MCG at 4.40pm on Sunday June 1 with the match being broadcast in NSW and the ACT on Fox Footy and 7mate.
GWS GIANTS vs Hawthorn
Sunday June 1, 4.40pm
Melbourne Cricket Ground
B: Heath Shaw, Aidan Corr, Curtly Hampton
HB: Adam Kennedy, Sam Frost, Adam Treloar
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jacob Townsend, Adam Tomlinson
HF: Rhys Palmer, Jonathon Patton, Tom Scully
F: Jed Lamb, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith
R: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel
I/C: Tim Mohr, Kristian Jaksch, Lachie Whitfield, Dylan Addison
Emergencies: Jonathan Giles, Jake Barrett, Nathan Wilson
In: Jed Lamb, Tim Mohr, Kristian Jaksch, Sam Frost
Out: Joshua Kelly (eye), Stephen Coniglio (shoulder), Jonathan Giles, Stephen Gilham (omitted)
