HAWTHORN has made just one change for Saturday ‘s crunch Preliminary Final clash against Port Adelaide, with defender Matt Suckling set to return from injury.

Veteran midfielder Brad Sewell, who played his 200th career game in the Qualifying Final win over Geelong is the unlucky player to be omitted.

Suckling has recovered from the knee injury he sustained against the Cats in Round 22, having trained strongly with his teammates this week.

After appearing as though he’d play in the VFL young guns game last Sunday, the Hawks opted to train the lethal left footer hard on Friday instead, in preparation for Saturday’s game.

As revealed by hawthornfc.com.au, Cyril Rioli hasn’t been selected and will instead play for affiliate Box Hill in the VFL Grand Final on Sunday in the event the Hawks qualify for the AFL Grand Final.

After training strongly this week in a bid to prove his fitness, Rioli decided in consultation with the Club to have a run in the VFL before making a return to the senior side.

Ruckman Ben McEvoy also hasn’t forced his way back into the team, with Alastair Clarkson choosing to stick with his winning ruck duo of the Qualifying Final, David Hale and Jonathon Ceglar.

McEvoy was best on ground in Box Hill’s Preliminary Final win over Williamstown last week with 45 hit outs, 13 disposals and seven marks.

Preliminary Final

Hawthorn v Port Adelaide

Saturday 20 September

MCG, 4.45pm

B: Gibson Lake Birchall

HB: Mitchell Stratton Hodge

C: Hill Langford Smith

HF: Breust Spangher Lewis

FF: Ceglar Roughead Gunston

Foll: Hale Shiels Burgoyne

Int: Duryea Puopolo Suckling Simpkin

Emerg: Hartung McEvoy Sewell

In: M.Suckling

Out: B.Sewell (omitted)

Milestones: B.Hill - 50 games, M.Spangher - 50 games