Hawthorn has confirmed two changes ahead its Round 17 clash against Brisbane at UTAS Stadium.

Ben McEvoy and Jonathan O’Rourke will be forced to miss through injury, with Tim O’Brien and Brendan Whitecross set to return to AFL level.

According to GM-Football Graham Wright, O’Rourke injured his adductor during training on Thursday morning, ruling him out of selection for Saturday’s match.

“It’s obviously disappointing for Jono,” Wright said.

“Last week saw his first AFL hit out in almost two years, and we thought he did a solid job after coming in at late notice.

“It’s bad timing, but luckily it’s only a minor niggle.

“He’ll be assessed across the coming days and we’re hopeful he’ll be right to go in a week or so.”

McEvoy’s stint on the sidelines will be slightly longer, with the ruckman set to miss up to six weeks after having surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone.

“Ben is obviously a big out for us,” Wright said.

“He’s been in strong form this year and is a really important player.

“But Ceglar is growing in confidence week after week since returning, and Tim O’Brien comes back in as another tall option.

“We’re confident in the 22 players named, and we’re looking forward to another shot against the Lions.”

Match preview: Round 17

ROUND 17 TEAM

Hawthorn v Brisbane

UTAS Stadium

Saturday 14 July, 1.45pm



B: Ryan Burton, James Frawley, Ben Stratton

HB: Taylor Duryea, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick

C: Harry Morrison, Tom Mitchell, Isaac Smith

HF: Jarman Impey, Jack Gunston, Jaeger O'Meara

F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo

R: Joathon Ceglar, Liam Shiels, Daniel Howe

INT: Teia Miles, Ricky Henderson, Brendan Whitecross, Tim O'Brien

EMER: Ryan Schoenmakers, Conor Glass, Kaiden Brand, Kieran Lovell

IN: Tim O'Brien, Brendan Whitecross

OUT: Ben McEvoy (cheekbone), Jonathan O'Rourke (adductor)