GRANT Birchall will miss Hawthorn’s latest trip to his home state, with the left ankle injury he sustained in the final quarter against Sydney forcing him out of Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast at Aurora Stadium.
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The Hawks have also lost grand final star Will Langford to a corked calf, while Matt Suckling has been omitted.
Skipper Luke Hodge is back from suspension, with Taylor Duryea and Daniel Howe also included.
Hobart’s Aaron Hall has been dropped by the Suns, with Andrew Raines and Jack Leslie also omitted and Dion Prestia out with his knee injury.
In a boost, key-defender Steven May and the dangerous Jack Martin return, along with Andrew Boston, while Keegan Brooksby will make his debut.
Meanwhile, Launceston’s Jake Kolodjashnij could make his AFL debut after being included on Geelong’s extended bench for Sunday’s match with West Coast.
In other AFL selection news Will Minson’s successful VFL appeal means the Western Bulldogs will make six changes for their big game on Saturday against GWS.
After an exciting start to the season, the Bulldogs are trying to arrest a three-game losing streak.
They dropped Ayce Cordy, Michael Talia, Lachie Hunter and Lin Jong.
Brett Goodes also has a broken arm and forward Stewart Crameri is out because of an adductor injury.
Minson will return to the senior team for the first time since round 3.
He was sent off while playing for Footscray in the VFL last Sunday after he made contact with an umpire.
Minson originally was suspended for four matches, but that was reduced on Thursday night to a reprimand and a $7500 fine.
Star recruit Patrick Ryder is out of Port Adelaide’s Saturday match against Melbourne in Alice Springs because of an Achilles injury.
Melbourne recalled Jack Viney and Neville Jetta for Ben Newton and Aidan Riley.
Carlton captain Marc Murphy (calf) has joined Chris Judd (knee) and Bryce Gibbs (back) as massive losses for Friday night’s match against Sydney at the SCG.
Robert Warnock (hip) is also injured and the Blues recalled Andrew Carrazzo, Andrew Walker, Lachie Henderson and Nick Graham.