HAWTHORN has made five changes ahead of its crucial clash with North Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Ryan Burton will make his AFL debut, Billy Hartung has earned a call-up after some good form in the VFL and experienced trio James Frawley, Liam Shiels and Paul Puopolo all return from injury.

Ben Stratton (pectoral injury), James Sicily (suspension), Tim O’Brien, Jonathan O’Rourke and Kurt Heatherley (all omitted) all come out of the Hawks’ side after a 29-point loss to Melbourne last week.

Burton was recruited by Hawthorn with pick 19 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, and impressed in the VFL last week with nine marks and three goals.

Frawley was a late withdrawal last week before Hawthorn’s Round 19 clash with a jarred shoulder but has recovered to face the Kangaroos.

Puopolo has missed two weeks with a hip complaint, while Shiels injured his hamstring in the Hawks’ win over Port Adelaide in Round 16.

“We get some quality players back this week in Frawley, Shiels and Puopolo, who bring a lot of experience and maturity to the side,” GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said.

“Billy has been playing well at Box Hill over the last few weeks and he brings some run to the team.

"It's terrific to see Ryan Burton get his opportunity – with James Sicily missing this week it’s a good opportunity for another young player to get some experience at AFL level. We're excited to see what Ryan can do.”

Saturday’s match is pivotal for the Hawks, who need to win their remaining three games to maintain their standing on top of the ladder.

ROUND 21 TEAM

Hawthorn v North Melbourne

Saturday 13 August, 2.10pm

MCG

B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne

HB: Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall

C: Isaac Smith, Liam Shiels, Bradley Hill

HF: Luke Breust, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli

F: Paul Puopolo, Ben McEvoy, Ryan Burton

Foll: Jonathon Ceglar, Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge

Int: Kaiden Brand, Brendan Whitecross, Billy Hartung, Will Langford

Emer: Kurt Heatherley, Angus Litherland, Jonathan O'Rourke



In: James Frawley, Liam Shiels, Paul Puopolo, Billy Hartung, Ryan Burton

Out: Ben Stratton (pectoral strain), James Sicily (suspension), Jonathan O’Rourke (omitted), Tim O’Brien (omitted), Kurt Heatherley (omitted)