Hawks recall big names to face arch-rivals Geelong in preliminary final.
Hawthorn has named close to a full-strength side for its clash with the Geelong Cats at the MCG this weekend in the AFL final four.
After earning the week off, due to their impressive win over premiers Sydney in week one of the finals, the Hawks have been able to recall Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli to the side.
The pair will lift the Hawks’ hopes they will finally be able to lose the club’s 11-game losing streak to the Cats, one of the longest losing streaking in the AFL between two top sides.
Rioli was close to playing against the Swans but was elected to be saved for a possible sudden-death game if they lost against the red and whites.
Franklin returns from suspension and his addition to the side will give them an added boost up forward as he will look to combine well with 2013 Coleman Medal winner Jarryd Roughead.
Geelong have also made two changes with Josh Caddy and Jordan Murdoch coming into the team at the expense of Paul Chapman (suspension) and Taylor Hunt (omitted).
HAWTHORN v GEELONG, Friday 7.40pm (EST) at the MCG
HAWKS
B: B Stratton B Lake B Guerra
HB: S Burgoyne J Gibson G Birchall
C: I Smith S Mitchell J Hill
HF: L Breust L Franklin J Gunston
F: P Puopolo J Roughead C Rioli
R: D Hale B Sewell L Hodge
I/C: J Lewis M Bailey B Whitecross L Shiels
EMG: M Spangher J Anderson K Cheney
In: L Franklin C Rioli
Out: M Spangher (omitted) J Anderson (omitted)
CATS
B: J Rivers T Lonergan J Hunt
HB: A Mackie, H Taylor J Bartel
C: J Kelly J Selwood M Stokes
HF: A Christensen N Vardy S Motlop
F: J Podsiadly T Hawkins J Caddy
R: M Blicavs M Duncan S Johnson
I/C: J Corey C Guthrie J Murdoch T Varcoe
EMG: T Hunt S Kersten T West
In: Caddy, Murdoch
Out: Chapman (suspended), T Hunt (omitted)
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