GRANT Birchall will make his much-awaited return for Hawthorn’s Round 13 clash with Essendon at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The triple-premiership player has missed the past three matches with a niggling ankle injury, which he sustained late in the Hawks' Round 8 match against Sydney Swans.

He replaces swingman Ryan Schoenmakers, who has been omitted.

The defender's inclusion is the only change for the Hawks, who have won their past three matches.

Round 13 Team

Hawthorn v Essendon

Saturday 27 June

MCG, 1.40pm

B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Josh Gibson

HB: Grant Birchall, James Frawley, Shaun Burgoyne

C: Bradley Hill, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis

HF: Cyril Rioli, Jack Gunston, Isaac Smith

F: David Hale, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo

Foll: Jon Ceglar, Liam Shiels, Sam Mitchell

I/C: Taylor Duryea, Billy Hartung, Luke Breust, Matt Suckling

Emer: Ryan Schoenmakers, Will Langford, Teia Miles

In: Grant Birchall

Out: Ryan Schoenmakers



RELATED

Opposition Analysis: Essendon

Match Preview: Round 13

